Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has issued a strong caution to Nigerian women, particularly the youth, urging them to resist the growing influence of American celebrities and Western pop culture, especially in the realm of fashion and lifestyle.
Speaking at a recent public event focused on cultural preservation and women’s empowerment, the First Lady expressed concern over what she described as a “rising trend of moral decline and identity loss” among young Nigerians who idolize Western entertainers.
“We must be careful not to lose ourselves in the imitation of others,” Mrs. Tinubu said. “Our girls must not blindly copy the fashion and behavior of American celebrities who do not represent our values.”
She stressed the need to uphold Nigerian cultural identity, dignity, and modesty in dress and character, warning that mimicking foreign trends could lead to a disconnect from traditional values and family structures.
Call to Celebrate African Identity
Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the importance of celebrating African beauty, tradition, and values, calling on designers, artists, and content creators to promote fashion that reflects indigenous pride.
“We are beautiful in our own way, with a rich heritage. Let’s teach our daughters to be proud of that, not ashamed of it,” she added.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Her remarks have sparked mixed reactions on social media and in public discourse. While many Nigerians applauded the First Lady for promoting cultural pride, others argued that fashion is a form of personal expression and that global influence is inevitable in a connected world.
Critics also questioned whether focusing on celebrity fashion was the most pressing issue facing Nigerian women, pointing to concerns such as economic inequality, access to education, and domestic violence.
Despite the divided opinions, Mrs. Tinubu’s comments have reignited conversation about the cultural tug-of-war between tradition and modernity in Nigeria, especially as the younger generation continues to consume global media at an unprecedented rate.
