Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria visited Lambeth Palace on March 19 and was greeted by the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the Rt Revd Anthony Poggo.

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the First Lady are in the United Kingdom on a State Visit, as guests of Their Majesties The King and Queen from Wednesday 18 March to Thursday 19 March.

On arrival at Lambeth Palace she was received by the Rt Revd Anthony Poggo, The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, who is currently on pilgrimage as part of her spiritual preparation for her Installation service on March 25.

Bishops from The Church of England were also present to welcome the First Lady, including: The Rt Revd Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy (the Church of England's lead bishop for interfaith relations); The Rt Revd Rose Hudson Wilkin (Bishop of Dover) and The Rt Revd Dr Emma Ineson (Acting Bishop of London).

The First Lady attended a short Service of Prayer in the Chapel at Lambeth Palace, where she was invited to preach. During the prayer service, the Secretary General spoke about the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, which invites prayer for a different Anglican Province or Diocese around the world each day.

The Secretary General also hosted a reception for Mrs Tinubu, where she met with representatives from the Anglican Communion Office, the Church of England and other faith charities including Christian Aid and Mothers’ Union.

Speaking about the First Lady's visit, the Secretary General said: 'It was excellent to greet the First Lady during her visit to Lambeth Palace, to hear more about her role in serving public life, to pray together for the people of Nigeria and the needs of the world. It was also good to be in the presence of faith and charity groups who are working together, to serve the common good. We pray for the President and the First Lady as they continue their State Visit.’

For more information

Read more about the work of The Secretary General and the Anglican Communion Office. 

Learn more about the Installation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and where to watch the livestream of the service.