First lady Remi Tinubu reacts as Delta nursing students’ video goes viral

Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has responded to a viral video showing nursing students in Delta State playfully mocking her during her recent visit to the state.

The incident occurred on March 25, 2025, at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba, where Mrs. Tinubu was attending the Renewed Hope Initiative event. The program was aimed at donating 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the South-South zone to support their efforts in reducing maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria.

During the event, students from the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Agbor, were seen responding to a song led by the event’s Master of Ceremony, who referred to Mrs. Tinubu as the “mother of the nation.” However, the students playfully altered the lyrics, suggesting she was not their mother.

The lighthearted chant quickly gained traction online, sparking mixed reactions across social media platforms. While some found it humorous, others debated whether it was disrespectful.

In reaction to the viral clip, Mrs. Tinubu’s media aide, Busola Kukoyi, released a statement emphasizing that the First Lady appreciated the warm reception from the Delta State government, healthcare workers, and nursing students.

The statement described the students’ response as an expression of excitement, acknowledging that such moments of spontaneity are common during large public gatherings. It further reiterated that the visit’s primary goal was to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals in their critical role of reducing maternal and infant deaths.

Reports later emerged that some of the students involved in the chant had been issued query letters by the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences. This move raised further discussions on whether disciplinary actions were necessary for what many perceived as harmless fun.

The First Lady’s office expressed hope that the matter would be handled with fairness and understanding, urging a balance between discipline and students’ right to express themselves in a respectful and lighthearted manner.

While the incident has dominated online conversations, Mrs. Tinubu’s team called for focus to remain on the broader objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative—empowering midwives and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.