First Lady of Nigeria facts for kids

The First Lady of Nigeria is a special title given to the wife of the President of Nigeria. It's not an official job created by the country's laws, but it's a very important role. The current First Lady is Oluremi Tinubu, who has held this title since May 29, 2023.

Even though the Nigerian Constitution doesn't officially create an office for the First Lady, the government has always provided money and staff to support her work since Nigeria became independent. The First Lady is usually addressed with the respectful title Her Excellency.

The Role of the First Lady

The First Lady often supports her husband, the President, in his duties. She also champions important causes and projects that help people in Nigeria. These projects often focus on areas like education, health, and helping women and children.

A Look Back: Nigeria's First Ladies

Throughout Nigeria's history, many remarkable women have served as First Lady. Each has brought her own unique focus and contributions to the role. For example, Stella Obasanjo was the only Nigerian First Lady who passed away while still in office.

Here is a list of the women who have held the title of First Lady of Nigeria:

No.	Image	Name	Term Begins	Term Ends	President or Head of State
1		Flora Azikiwe (1917–1983)	1 October 1963	16 January 1966	Nnamdi Azikiwe
2		Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi (1923–2021)	16 January 1966	29 July 1966	Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
3		Victoria Gowon (1946–)	1 August 1966	29 July 1975	Yakubu Gowon
4		Ajoke Muhammed	29 July 1975	13 February 1976	Murtala Mohammed
5		Esther Oluremi Obasanjo (1941–)	13 February 1976	1 October 1979	Olusegun Obasanjo
6		Hadiza Shagari (1940/1941–2021)	1 October 1979	31 December 1983	Shehu Shagari
7		Safinatu Buhari (1952–2006)	31 December 1983	27 August 1985	Muhammadu Buhari
8		Maryam Babangida (1948–2009)	27 August 1985	26 August 1993	Ibrahim Babangida
9		Margaret Shonekan (1941–)	26 August 1993	17 November 1993	Ernest Shonekan
10		Maryam Abacha (1949–)	17 November 1993	8 June 1998	Sani Abacha
11		Fati Lami Abubakar (1951–)	8 June 1998	29 May 1999	Abdulsalami Abubakar
12		Stella Obasanjo (1945–2005)	29 May 1999	23 October 2005 (Died in office)	Olusegun Obasanjo
Vacant (1 year, 218 days)
13		Turai Yar'Adua (1957–)	29 May 2007	5 May 2010	Umaru Musa Yar'Adua
14		Patience Jonathan (1957–)	6 May 2010	29 May 2015	Goodluck Jonathan
15		Aisha Buhari (1971–)	29 May 2015	29 May 2023	Muhammadu Buhari
16		Oluremi Tinubu (1960–)	29 May 2023	Present	Bola Tinubu