Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed optimism about the country’s future, saying she hopes to leave the Presidential Villa in 2031 and enjoy a better Nigeria as a woman in her 70s.
Mrs Tinubu made the remarks on Friday, October 23, 2026, while inaugurating the Abuja headquarters of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, a grassroots mobilisation group campaigning for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady defended the administration’s record, saying developments were taking place in the country despite criticism from some Nigerians.
“Things are happening in Nigeria, except, you know, those who don’t see; maybe we’ll give them some, you know, Bola Tinubu eyeglasses. We are doing that, JigiBola,” she said.
Her comments appeared to challenge those who believe the government has not delivered sufficient progress, as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
First Lady Points to Changes at Airports
Mrs Tinubu cited improvements at Nigerian airports as one example of the changes she believes are taking place under her husband’s administration.
“I want to get to the airport. I want to travel, you know, so quickly. And you can see our airports too are changing,” she said.
She expressed hope that by the time she leaves Aso Rock in 2031, she would be able to experience the benefits of a more developed country.
“I want to leave Aso Rock, in 2031, by the grace of God, and enter a Nigeria that me as a 70-something-year-old woman will enjoy,” she said.
Her remarks come as infrastructure development, transportation costs, economic reforms and living standards remain central issues in national discussions about the administration’s performance.
‘Tinubu Eyeglasses’ Remark Draws Attention
The First Lady’s reference to “Bola Tinubu eyeglasses” drew attention because of its connection to Jigi-Bola, an eye-care initiative associated with her husband’s time as governor of Lagos State.
The programme was introduced in 2001 to provide eye-care services, including screenings, eyeglasses and surgery. It was later relaunched by the Lagos State Government in 2021.
Mrs Tinubu used the reference to suggest that some Nigerians were failing to recognise the changes she believes are taking place across the country.
However, her comments come amid continuing public debate over the extent to which economic reforms and government projects have translated into improved living conditions for ordinary citizens.
TheDailyNewsHub has previously reported on the scale of deprivation facing Nigerian households in its coverage of a UN report estimating that 113 million Nigerians face overlapping deprivations in health, education and living standards.
The report highlights the challenges involved in translating broader economic developments into tangible improvements in access to essential services and household welfare.
Remarks Come Ahead of 2027 Election
The First Lady made the comments while commissioning the Abuja headquarters of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, which is working to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
At the event, she formally declared the headquarters open and expressed support for her husband’s re-election campaign.
“To the glory of God, and for the victory of Mr President come 2027, I hereby formally commission the PBAT door-to-door movement campaign headquarters Abuja,” she said.
She also expressed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the movement’s convener, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The event reflects the growing political mobilisation by support groups ahead of the 2027 polls, with the APC seeking to build support for another term for President Tinubu.
As the election approaches, the administration’s record on infrastructure, economic conditions, security and public welfare is likely to remain a major subject of political debate.
Mrs Tinubu’s remarks underline her confidence in the country’s direction and her hope that the changes she described will produce a Nigeria she can enjoy after leaving the Presidential Villa in 2031.