Tag: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu yesterday inaugurated the Environment Club and the Environment Society, calling on young Nigerians to take the lead in safeguarding the nation’s future through environmental responsibility and climate action.

 Speaking at the national launch held at the State House, Abuja, Senator Tinubu said the initiative was designed to build a generation of environmentally conscious citizens, equipped to promote sustainability in their schools, communities and tertiary institutions.

She opened her remarks by praising young voices in the climate movement, singling out Senior Secondary School 3 student, Esther Abraham of Government Senior Secondary School, Mabushi, for her evocative poem on environmental protection.

“From Esther, I see the passion and the love. When she recited, I saw a woman in love with the environment. It was like a message of love. I look forward to working with you all in the future, by the grace of God,” the First Lady said.

 The First Lady presented membership kits to selected students, noting that the cards, handbooks and tools were practical instruments to aid their new roles.

“To the glory of God and the benefit of humanity, we are giving you your working tools,” she said.

Reflecting on her own background, the First Lady said her training in educational biology and experience, teaching environmental sanitation shaped her deep-rooted affinity for nature.

“My love for plants inspired me in my studies. Young people are the right ambassadors to drive this programme we launch today”, she said.

She outlined the objectives of the new clubs: promoting environmental preservation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management and fostering eco-friendly mindsets among young Nigerians.

The club and society, she said, will also encourage innovation, alternative livelihoods and green entrepreneurship.

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Her rallying motto, “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow”, echoed throughout the hall as she described the clubs’ responsibilities.

For secondary school clubs, this includes maintaining clean school environments, recycling, tree planting, discouraging plastic use and championing climate awareness.

University-based Environment Societies, she said, will lead shoreline clean-ups, reforestation drives and campus-wide advocacy on sustainable practices.

 Mrs. Tinubu said the initiative aligns fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises environmental sustainability, inclusive growth and youth empowerment.

She also commended the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, and his team for their work, adding a call to governors’ wives to support environmental commissioners across the states.

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has congratulated the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 65th birthday.

In a personally signed statement issued on Sunday, Audu described the occasion as not just a celebration of age, but of a life dedicated to service, compassion, and devotion to the Nigerian people.

“We celebrate you on this auspicious occasion of your 65th birthday. This milestone is not only a celebration of age but of a life dedicated to service, compassion, and devotion to the Nigerian people. You have consistently demonstrated the virtues of humility, integrity, and resilience, which continue to inspire women, youth, and families across our nation,” he said.

The Minister commended the First Lady’s initiatives and programmes, noting that they have become a strong pillar of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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He added that her advocacy for women’s empowerment, education, health, and humanitarian causes has complemented the President’s vision by delivering hope and tangible impact to Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots.

Audu further praised her role as a steadfast partner in governance, stressing that her leadership and compassion embody the values of family, community, and national service.

“As you mark this special day, I pray that Almighty Allah continues to strengthen you, grant you wisdom, and bless you with many more years of good health, peace, and fulfilment,” he prayed, extending best wishes on behalf of his family and the staff of the Ministry of Steel Development.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged children at the newly commissioned Nana Berry Orphanage and Children’s Home to embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and become the best version of themselves.

Addressing the children, the First Lady said “you are special, you are loved, and you have a bright future ahead of you.

“This home is a stepping stone towards your dreams, and I encourage you to embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and become the best version of yourselves,” she told them.

Her words came as she officially inaugurated the newly constructed and furnished orphanage, a project made possible through collaboration between the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The facility aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable children.

Designed to house 118 girls and 118 boys, the orphanage features hostel blocks, a dormitory, a multipurpose hall, classrooms, and living quarters for staff.

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It also aims to provide a nurturing environment for learning and holistic development, in line with SDG Goal 4: Quality Education and SDG Goal 5: Gender Equality.

While acknowledging the efforts of the orphanage’s founder, Mrs. Aishatu Kwalmi, and the caregivers, the First Lady charged them to continue their work with kindness, compassion, and discipline to ensure that every child grows into a responsible citizen.

However, she firmly rejected a request for additional land for farming, emphasizing that the orphanage should focus on innovative agricultural practices rather than land expansion.

“Mrs. Kwalmi was telling me that they needed another land for farming, and I said no. This place is big enough. Nowadays, we have something called smart gardening. You can grow in your bucket, and this is the time to introduce this to the children.

“If you don’t know, we’re going to send people to you, and they will teach you what to do. But it’s very, very easy,” she assured them.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the project, the First Lady recalled how she first learned about the orphanage in early 2023 through a television interview with Mrs. Kwalmi.

Deeply moved by the conditions of over 200 children living there, she mobilised immediate assistance and later spearheaded the construction of the new facility.

“This project also reflects the commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the well-being and development of all children, irrespective of their background,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for donating the land and ensuring the swift provision of a Certificate of Occupancy.

She also commended Hon. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, for overseeing the project’s execution.

The First Lady also highlighted the broader vision of the administration to ensure decent housing for vulnerable children across Nigeria.

She thanked the Nasarawa State Government for pledging continued support, noting that while many orphanages exist, not all have such facilities.

“So we’ve started with this one, and it’s the responsibility of the government to do that. Mr. President is very keen on this,” she stated.

As Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day 2025, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on women to uplift and empower one another in the pursuit of gender equality and progress.

“Let us all endeavor to lift each other up, one woman at a time,” the First Lady urged, emphasising the collective role women must play in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.

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This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” highlights the need for renewed commitment toward creating opportunities where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and societal barriers.

“I believe it is time for women to make this happen,” Senator Tinubu stated, encouraging women to take charge of their destinies and support one another in breaking down obstacles to success.

She also celebrated the strength, resilience, and achievements of Nigerian women across various sectors, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to nation-building.

As Christians across the country begin the Lenten season, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to use the sacred period to show kindness, deepen their commitment to serving others, and draw closer to Christ.

In a message to mark the commencement of Lent, the First Lady emphasised the importance of love, repentance, prayers, and good deeds, urging Nigerians to embrace the season as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and selfless service.

“I urge us to use this period to draw closer to Christ, show kindness to others, and deepen our commitment to serving others,” she said.

Senator Tinubu also encouraged Nigerians to walk in the light of Christ with hope and compassion, reminding them that Lent is not just a time of sacrifice but also of reflection and renewal.

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She further called for prayers for Nigeria, expressing hope that the nation would continue on a path of peace, prosperity, and global prominence.

“We should also remember our dear nation Nigeria in prayers for peace and prosperity, as we all build together a nation that will take her place among the comity of nations,” the First Lady added.

Senator Tinubu wished Nigerians a blessed and spiritually fulfilling Lenten season, urging them to uphold the values of faith, unity, and goodwill during this period of solemn observance.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Friday unveiled the North Central Zone Women’s Empowerment Programme at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, in a move to bolster women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), aims to directly impact 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, beginning with 500 beneficiaries from each state in the North Central Zone. 

The programme, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to equip women with essential tools and resources to start or expand their businesses, fostering economic independence and contributing to national development.

Items distributed include deep-chest freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines. 

In her keynote address, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu emphasized the critical role of women in nation-building and the alignment of the initiative with global development goals.

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“Women’s empowerment is central to achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-5 on gender equality and SDG-8 on decent work and economic growth.

“These items are not just tools; they are stepping stones toward financial independence and a better future for Nigerian women”, she said.

She urged beneficiaries to use the resources wisely, saying, “Let what you receive today prosper in your hands as you contribute meaningfully to our nation’s progress.” 

Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, highlighted the transformative potential of the programme.

“Today’s initiative is about unlocking potential, fostering economic independence, and creating opportunities for women to thrive,” she said.

She commended the First Lady for her leadership and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring no woman is left behind in Nigeria’s journey toward achieving the SDGs. 

Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, praised the initiative for its focus on domestic resource mobilization.

“This marks a shift from donor-dependent empowerment programmes to one driven by local resources. When women are empowered, families thrive, children stay in school, and communities prosper”, she said.

Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), underscored the broader significance of the initiative.

“Women are the backbone of our society. This programme is a testament to our commitment to uplifting women and ensuring they have the tools to thrive economically and socially,” she said. 

Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, RHI State Coordinator and Women Affairs Mandate Secretary for the FCT expressed gratitude on behalf of beneficiaries, describing the initiative as “grassroots transformation at its best”, adding “the face of the FCT woman is now the face of hope for a nation.” 

The event was marked by jubilant celebrations as beneficiaries received their empowerment items.

One beneficiary from Abaji shared her excitement, saying, “This is life-changing for me and my family. I now have hope that I can start my business and support my children’s education.” 

The North Central Zone Women’s Empowerment Programme is the first in a series of initiatives planned for all six geopolitical zones, with the South-South Zone slated as the next beneficiary region. 

•Programme trains 252 women nationwide •As NITDA targets 33 million Nigerians by 2027

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has highlighted the transformative role of the Women ICT Training and Empowerment Programme in promoting gender equity and fostering national development.

 She said this at the closing ceremony of the programme at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, on Friday.

 Tinubu, in her address, commended the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for partnering with her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to sponsor the programme, which aims to enhance digital literacy among women across the country.

The program’s second edition has successfully trained 252 young women from various states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in digital proficiency.

 “The programme equips women with essential digital skills, enabling them to become Digital Literacy Champions who can transform their communities through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building,” said Tinubu, emphasizing the program’s potential to drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.

 She expressed gratitude to NITDA’s Director General, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, for his dedication to bridging Nigeria’s digital divide. “I am informed that a total of 252 young women have been trained in this phase. These women are now set to apply these new skills and to inspire and guide other young women,” she said. “I am excited by the immense potential represented here today, and I look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in the months and years ahead.”

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Tinubu praised the ongoing collaboration between NITDA and RHI, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to generate millions of digital jobs for Nigerians. She highlighted that this initiative marks a strategic step toward advancing gender equity by opening up digital opportunities for women and girls. “This collaboration represents a commitment by this administration to ensure equitable access to opportunities across the country,” she said.

NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, on his part, underscored the crucial role of digital literacy in Nigeria’s economic growth, stressing that empowering women through technology could significantly impact the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 “If we bridge the gender gap, we will empower women and can increase our GDP by 20 percent,” he noted, affirming President Tinubu’s drive for economic diversification through initiatives like this one. Abdullahi added that NITDA is working toward 95 percent digital literacy by 2030 through its “Digital Literacy for All” initiative, which aims to train 30 million Nigerians, with a focus on women’s participation.

To extend the reach of digital literacy, NITDA is collaborating with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), deploying young graduates as “digital literacy champions” in their communities. Abdullahi also announced that a digital literacy and skills curriculum, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education, will be integrated into formal education systems by next year. “By next year, digital skills and literacy will be part of our formal education,” he said, stressing the importance of embedding technology into everyday learning.

 The Director General elaborated on NITDA’s goal to annually produce 17,760 digital literacy champions through the NYSC, aiming for 80 champions from each of the six annual NYSC streams. “We want each champion to train at least 60 Nigerians monthly, potentially reaching over 11 million people each year,” Abdullahi explained, emphasizing the program’s expansive vision for building digital capacity across Nigeria.