Nigeria’s First Lady clarifies: No criticism of Markle’s wardrobe
Nigeria’s First Lady clarifies: No criticism of Markle’s wardrobe
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has cleared the air about her recent speech, which was misconstrued as a critique of Meghan Markle’s attire during her visit to Nigeria.
The clarification came after a video of her speech surfaced, sparking inaccurate media reports.
NIGERIA’S FIRST LADY CLEARS THE AIR
First Lady Tinubu’s remarks were initially interpreted as a dig at Meghan’s fashion choices.
However, her office swiftly dispelled these misconceptions, according to People.
“At no point did she say anything about Meghan’s dressing,” the First Lady’s office confirmed.
The misunderstanding arose from a speech Tinubu delivered on 25 May.
NIGERIA’S FIRST LADY AND MEGHAN MARKLE
The speech celebrated the first year of her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency.
In the speech, she addressed the cultural challenges facing Nigerian youth, according to News Week.
“We are not having the Met Gala. We don’t accept nakedness in our culture,” Tinubu said. “It is not beautiful at all.
They are mimicking and trying to emulate film stars from America. They don’t know where they come from.”
NIGERIA’S FIRST LADY AND HERITAGE
Many inferred these comments targeted Meghan Markle, especially since she was mentioned in the speech.
“Why did Meghan come here, looking for Africa? That is something we have to take home with us.
We know who we are, and don’t lose who you are,” Tinubu stated, according to Mirror.
To clarify, Tinubu’s reference to the Duchess of Sussex was not about her clothing but her journey.
MEGHAN’S GENEALOGY
Meghan recently discovered she is 43% Nigerian through a genealogy test and has expressed a strong connection to the country.
The First Lady’s office explained, “She meant Meghan appreciates the people we are and hence her coming here.”
Meghan and Prince Harry’s visit to Nigeria, from 10 May to 12 May, was at the invitation of Nigeria’s highest-ranking military official.
Their trip, however, did not include a public meeting with President Tinubu or Nigeria’s First Lady.
During their visit, Meghan and Harry focused on promoting mental health initiatives through their Archewell Foundation.
PRINCE HARRY IN NIGERIA
They also highlighted Harry’s Invictus Games, which Nigeria participated in for the first time in 2023.
“These trips are about us being able to go out and focus on the things that mean so much to us,” Prince Harry shared.
“And being able to be on the ground, to us, is what it’s all about.”
Meghan echoed his sentiments, saying, “It’s really meaningful. Just being able to connect to people… that’s what makes it special.”
CELEBRATING THE WOMAN
Nigeria’s First Lady’s speech on 25 May was titled Celebrating the Woman and aimed at encouraging Nigerian women to embrace their cultural identity.
“The message here is, we have to salvage our children.
You know we see the way they dress, they keep forgetting that Nigeria, we are beautiful.
The moment you can see what they showcased on the stage, I said, we are fashionable!
We see what is going on,” Tinubu emphasised.
CULTURAL PRIDE
Nigeria’s First Lady reiterated the importance of cultural pride.
“We are not having the Met Gala. And everyone, the nakedness is just everywhere, and the men are well-clothed.
So we have to do something.
Tell them the way it is — we don’t accept nakedness in our culture. That is not beautiful.”
POSITIVE SPIRIT
The clarification underscores that Tinubu’s remarks were meant to celebrate Nigerian culture and identity rather than critique Meghan Markle’s wardrobe.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit to Nigeria was a significant moment for both parties.
It highlighted shared values and fostered cultural connections.
As Meghan continues to explore her Nigerian roots, such clarifications help maintain the positive spirit of their interactions.