First Lady Remi Tinubu has distanced herself from a query issued to a student nurse, Osato Edobor, for allegedly recording and posting an “unauthorised” video on social media during her visit to Delta State.
During Tinubu’s visit to Delta State College of Nursing, a viral video surfaced showing nursing students at the event rejecting the First Lady as their “mother.”
The incident occurred when the event’s master of ceremony introduced Tinubu as “everyone’s mother,” a customary title for First Ladies in Nigeria.
However, the students responded in unison, “Na your mama be this,” meaning “This is your mother,” refusing to accept the designation.
A disciplinary move followed, with a letter sent to Edobor surfacing online.
The letter, signed by the provost of the institution, Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne, and dated March 27, 2025, accused Edobor of engaging in a “malicious act” by recording herself singing and posting an “unofficial response” to a song during the First Lady’s arrival at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba.
The event was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Health Programme, where 10,000 professional kits were distributed to midwives in the South-South geopolitical zone.
Following public outcry, the Delta State Government directed the immediate withdrawal of the query issued to Edobor.
In a statement on X on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, confirmed the withdrawal, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding student rights and ensuring a conducive learning environment.
“I’ve instructed the provost to withdraw the letter. We don’t want to victimise any of the students,” Onojaeme said in a video statement, adding that he personally reached out to Edobor, who confirmed the withdrawal of the disciplinary action.
Also on Friday, the First Lady’s office released a statement distancing itself from the controversy.
The statement read, “The attention of the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to a video circulating on social media, showing chants welcoming both the First Lady of Delta State and the First Lady of Nigeria during the Renewed Hope Initiative’s donation of 10,000 Professional Kits to Midwives in the South-South zone held at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday, 25th March, 2025.
“The event was primarily to motivate midwives across the nation, with the aim of reducing infant and maternal mortality, and morbidity in Nigeria. Her Excellency deeply appreciates the warm reception by the Delta State Government, the people of Delta State, as well as enthusiasm shown by nurses, midwives, women groups, and student nurses present at the event.
“However, a section of the video, allegedly recorded by some students at the event, showed a spontaneous and playful twist to the welcome song. Sequel to that, it has come to our attention that some of the students of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences have been issued a query regarding their participation in the chants. While the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria respects the right of institutions to uphold discipline, it is important to recognize that students, in moments of excitement, often express themselves in a light-hearted and jovial manner.
“The Office of the First Lady believes that educational institutions should foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum. The First Lady’s visit was intended to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals, and it is our hope that this event remains a positive and motivating experience for all involved.
“We trust that the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences will handle this matter with understanding and fairness, ensuring that students continue to thrive in an environment that balances discipline with free expression.”
The statement was signed by Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady.
