Oluremi Tinubu to Preach at Lambeth Palace During UK State Visit

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will on Thursday preach at Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, as part of events marking Nigeria’s first state visit to the United Kingdom in nearly four decades.

The engagement forms part of the historic visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III, in what officials described as a major diplomatic milestone aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.

According to a statement released by the Presidency on Wednesday, the First Lady’s appearance at Lambeth Palace will include a sermon focusing on faith, leadership, and the role of moral values in nation-building. 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 United Kingdom.

Officials said the invitation extended to the First Lady reflects her long-standing involvement in Christian ministry and social advocacy, noting that she had served as a pastor before entering politics. They added that the visit highlights the growing recognition of Nigeria’s role in global religious and cultural affairs.

The state visit, the first of its kind since the 1980s, includes a series of official meetings, cultural events, and bilateral discussions aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, security, education, and investment. President Tinubu is scheduled to hold talks with British government officials and business leaders during the visit.

Diplomatic sources said the trip is expected to open new opportunities for partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, particularly in areas of economic development and technology. They also noted that the participation of the First Lady in religious and cultural activities adds a symbolic dimension to the visit, reflecting the strong historical ties between the two nations.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Mourns Terror Victims, Deploys Security Chiefs to Maiduguri

Members of the Nigerian community in the UK have expressed excitement over the visit, describing it as a sign of renewed engagement between Abuja and London after years without a formal state visit.

The Presidency said the visit will conclude with a state reception hosted by the British monarchy, marking what officials called a new chapter in Nigeria–United Kingdom relations.