First Lady Oluremi Tinubu yesterday paid a glowing tribute to mothers across the country.

She praised them for their sacrifices, love, and unwavering commitment to nurturing families and shaping the nation’s future.

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the wife of Anambra State governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and other eminent Nigerians also applauded mothers’ role in fostering stable homes and a good society.

In her 2026 Mother’s Day message, the First Lady described mothers as the unsung heroes of society whose quiet acts of care and devotion form the foundation of strong families and communities.

Mrs. Tinubu noted that while the major sacrifices that mothers make are often recognised, it is the everyday acts of love and care that truly define motherhood.

“Today, I honour and celebrate every mother across Nigeria. Your love, care and sacrifices do not go unnoticed,” she said.

The First Lady stressed that the strength of the nation rests significantly on the values mothers instil in their children through guidance, discipline and nurturing.

“Beyond the great sacrifices, it is the small, quiet moments that truly define a mother’s love. On this special day, we hold those moments close to our hearts and say thank you for the warmth and love you selflessly give,” she added.

The First Lady also stated that mothers play a critical role in shaping the moral compass of society and building future generations through the lessons they pass on to their children.

“To all mothers who nurture, love and shape our families, you are the true heroes of our nation,” she said.

Mrs. Tinubu urged mothers across the country to remain steadfast in their roles as teachers, mentors and moral guides to their children.

“I implore our mothers to continue to teach and guide our children, passing down wisdom, values and strength that will benefit future generations,” she said.

The First Lady also offered prayers for mothers and families across the country, expressing hope that they would enjoy the fruits of their labour in the lives of their children and generations to come.

“May we all live to enjoy the fruits of our labour over our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” the First Lady said

In her message, the NAFDAC boss, Prof. Adeyeye, called for increased investment in the well-being of women and children.

She described such investment as essential to building a healthier and more sustainable future for Nigeria.

Adeyeye spoke during the agency’s commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day at the weekend in Abuja.

The NAFDAC boss said improving the health and welfare of women and children should remain a priority for policymakers and stakeholders, noting that such investments would significantly strengthen the country’s healthcare system and national development.

She also emphasised the importance of recognising the resilience and contributions of women working within institutions dedicated to protecting public health and safeguarding lives.

Adeyeye highlighted the agency’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative launched last November, saying the programme underscores the need to prioritise the welfare of women and children as a critical component of national development.

According to her, sustained support for women and children will help improve healthcare outcomes and contribute to the country’s long-term social and economic growth.

The event brought together NAFDAC’s staff members and other stakeholders to reflect on the role of women in strengthening healthcare systems and promoting community well-being.

The agency’s Head of the Reforms Unit, Mrs. Joan Agbaagu, said the theme: “Give to Gain,” highlights the value of selfless service and collective commitment to improving the health of mothers, women and children.

She added that the celebration also recognised the dedication of female staff members whose efforts continue to support the agency’s mandate of ensuring the safety of food, drugs and other regulated products in the country.

Dr. Soludo described motherhood as a divine responsibility that cannot be materially quantified.

She said this in a message to mark this year’s Mothering Sunday in Awka, the state capital.

The Anambra governor’s wife noted that motherhood is a rare blessing and gift worthy of celebration.

“Motherhood is one divine responsibility that has no material quantification; being a mother is a rare blessing, a gift that should never be taken for granted.

“Motherhood is God’s call to serve a sacred purpose; It is an assignment beyond the home and a duty of passion and grace,” she said.

The governor’s wife hailed mothers for their sacrifices, courage and resilience in nurturing families and shaping society.

“For your sacrifices, extraordinary courage, resilience and eternal care, the world celebrates you today and beyond.

“No gift, treasure or love can ever be enough for the price of motherhood,” she added.

Also, a former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, described mothers as the pillars of faith, love, and wisdom in families and communities.

In a goodwill message to mark the celebration, Obi praised mothers for their tireless dedication, nurturing spirit, and the crucial role they play in shaping both the lives of their children and the moral fabric of society.

He noted that the sacrifices mothers make daily, the values they instil, and the prayers they offer leave a lasting impact that transcends generations.

“Today, we celebrate you, the pillars of faith, love, and wisdom in our families and communities. Your tireless dedication, nurturing hearts, and guidance shape not only the lives of your children but also the moral and spiritual fabric of our society,” Obi said.

He added that every sacrifice made by mothers and every lesson they teach contributes significantly to building stronger communities and a better future for the country.

Also, the Chairman of Oji River Local Government Area in Enugu State, Mr. Greg Anyaegbudike, has extolled the virtues of mothers as peace builders, following Mothering Sunday celebration.

Anyaegbudike hailed mothers in his Mothering Sunday message made available to newsmen in Enugu.

His message had the theme: “You Are the Amazing Heartbeat of Our Families.”

The chairman expressed appreciation to mothers for their multi-task achieving potentials, which he said kept the family running.

According to him, from managing homes to building strong foundations for the Church, communities and the nation; the contributions of mothers to humanity are immeasurable.

“As we mark this year’s occasion of Mothering Sunday, may I, on behalf of the government and people of Oji River Local Government Area, extend my hearty felicitations to all mothers.

“Particularly those in the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Methodist Church, Nigeria and other denominations in Oji River Local Government Area and beyond are celebrating Mothering Sunday today.

“We recognise the love, support, care and selfless sacrifices you make for our families, the Church and the society at large; Thank you for all you do.

“We appreciate you, not just today but everyday. God bless all mothers. Happy Mothering Sunday,” he said.

Also, the Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mr. Kolawole Emilagba, has said mothers play vital roles in raising responsible children, which helps build a stable and progressive society.

In a statement yesterday in commemoration of this year’s Mothers’ Day, Emilagba said mothers are the backbone of every thriving community as their sacrifices, strengths and unconditional love help to nurture families and shape the future of societies.

“The role of mothers in guiding and instilling moral values in children remain critical to the development of responsible citizens.

“Mothers play a very significant role in raising responsible children who grow to contribute positively to their communities in particular and the nation at large.

“Their dedication to the upbringing of children and the stability of families cannot be overemphasised,” he added.

The local government chairman hailed mothers in Lagos Mainland and across the country for their resilience and unwavering commitment to family and societal development despite prevailing challenges.

He noted that mothers continued to make invaluable contributions through care, guidance and moral support, which helped to strengthen homes and communities.

Emilagba prayed that mothers would continue to be blessed with good health, happiness and strength to keep inspiring generations.

The chairman also urged residents to celebrate and appreciate mothers for their sacrifices and contributions to the growth of society. (The Nation)