Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged citizens to embrace national pride and stop speaking negatively about their country, declaring that the era of Nigeria being labeled the “most corrupt country” is over.
She made the remarks on Thursday, October 2, 2025, during a two-day working visit to Gombe State, where she visited the palace of the Emir of Akko, HRH Alhaji Umar Muhammad Atiku.
Her comments, which touched on Nigeria’s global reputation, have sparked a wide conversation nationwide.
“Calling on us as Nigerians, stop badmouthing your nation. Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corrupt country. You won’t hear that again,” she said.
According to the First Lady, the world is beginning to see Nigeria as a land of opportunities rather than a hub of corruption.
She explained that international attitudes are changing, with people abroad showing renewed curiosity and admiration for the country.
“Even when I go abroad, when they hear you’re from Nigeria, everybody’s interested. They want to come to Nigeria. Nigeria is the next destination,” she added.
Her comments come at a time when conversations about corruption and governance continue to dominate national discourse.
However, Mrs. Tinubu insisted that Nigerians must change the narrative themselves by projecting pride and optimism.
In addition to her remarks on corruption and image, Mrs. Tinubu praised Gombe State for its striking natural scenery.
She likened the state’s landscape to England’s countryside, highlighting its potential as a tourist attraction.
“We have to be proud. Your landscape is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like that. You see that in the London countryside, but I’m seeing it here in Gombe and in other states too,” she said.
Her appreciation of Gombe’s beauty resonated with many locals, who described her words as a boost for tourism and cultural pride.
Beyond her speech, the First Lady’s trip to Gombe included participation in a state health summit and the conferment of a traditional title by the Lamido Akko.
