Oluremi Tinubu to preach at Archbishop of Canterbury’s residence during UK state visit

Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s first lady, will preach at Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, on Thursday as part of events marking President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom (UK).

This is the first state visit of a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years.

Oluremi’s appearance at Lambeth Palace is significant, as no Nigerian official or clergy is known to have preached there.

She will also be delivering the sermon under Sarah Mullally, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, who was confirmed barely three months ago.

The first lady was ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations, in 2018.

In recent times, the former senator has made increased religious appearances following international pressure on the president, who is a Muslim, to improve security in the country after US President Donald Trump accused radical Islamists of “slaughtering” Christians in Nigeria.

Last month, Oluremi attended the US national prayer breakfast, an annual event where people of different political beliefs come together to pray, in Washington DC.

Trump called her “a very respected woman” at the event.

At Lambeth Palace, Oluremi’s sermon will focus on faith, leadership, and the role of moral values in nation-building, the presidency said.

The event is expected to be attended by senior clergy of the Anglican Communion, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the Nigerian community in the UK.

According to officials, the invitation to preach was extended to the first lady, anchoring on her long-standing involvement in Christian ministry and social advocacy.

Meanwhile, Tinubu is scheduled to hold talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, government officials and business leaders on Thursday.

King Charles and Queen Camilla received the Nigerian first couple at Windsor Castle as they began their state visit on Wednesday.

They were treated to a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and later shown a display of objects related to Nigeria from the royal collection trust.

A state banquet will be held in the evening where Charles and Tinubu will both give speeches.