Tag: First Lady Tinubu

  • LEADERSHIP Award a call to greater service, says First Lady Tinubu

    LEADERSHIP Award a call to greater service, says First Lady Tinubu

    First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu (CON) has described her emergence as LEADERSHIP Person of the Year in 2025 as a renewed call to service, declaring that there is still more work to be done.

    Senator Tinubu spoke after the management of LEADERSHIP Newspaper formally presented her with the award letter during a courtesy visit.

     She expressed appreciation to the organisation for the recognition, describing it as both encouraging and motivating.

    “With this, I am fired up for the year,” she said, stressing that her focus remains on serving ordinary Nigerians rather than pursuing accolades.

    The First Lady noted that she was encouraged by the recognition of her efforts as a woman in leadership as the current administration approaches the midpoint of its first term. 

    She acknowledged the male-dominated nature of society but said it only strengthens her resolve to work harder.

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    “I have never seen men as a challenge,” she said. “But it makes me know that I have to work three times as hard to get ahead. I always tell young girls to be confident, focused and hardworking.”

    Senator Tinubu also paid glowing tribute to the late founder of LEADERSHIP Group, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, describing him as a man of integrity and vision. She commended the organisation’s current leadership for sustaining his legacy and thanked them for their continued commitment to excellence.

    Chairman of LEADERSHIP Group, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah, said the selection of the First Lady as Person of the Year 2025 was a unanimous decision of the newspaper’s nomination board.

    She explained that the choice was based on the impact of Senator Tinubu’s interventions across the country, particularly through the Renewed Hope Initiative, since the inauguration of the Tinubu administration in 2023.

    Group’s Senior Vice Chairman, Mr Azu Ishiekwene, said Senator Tinubu had redefined the office of the First Lady, transforming it into a platform for stewardship, compassion and national development.

    According to him, her philanthropic and humanitarian interventions have touched lives across Nigeria, cutting across ethnic, religious and political lines.

    LEADERSHIP unveiled its 2025 award recipients in November 2025, with Senator Tinubu emerging as Person of the Year. 

    The Board of Editors, however, announced that no Politician of the Year was selected despite the country approaching another election cycle.

    Six Governors were named Governors of the Year 2025 for commitment to people-centred governance. 

    They include Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna); Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); Dauda Lawal (Zamfara); Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa).

    Governor Oyebanji was recognised for inclusive leadership that has transformed Ekiti State, while Governor Lawal earned the award for restoring security and investing heavily in education, healthcare and infrastructure in Zamfara State.

    Governor Sani was honoured for his reconciliatory leadership in Kaduna State, Governor Oborevwori for implementing Delta State’s ‘MORE Agenda,’ and Governor Sule for prioritising infrastructure and human capital development in Nasarawa State.

    The Banker of the Year award went to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Nigeria, Dr Tony Okpanachi, for expanding access to finance and empowering over 700,000 MSMEs. Providus Bank emerged Bank of the Year for its role in driving digital innovation in the financial sector.

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) was named Government Agency of the Year for expanding enforcement and recovering over N10 billion for Nigerian consumers.

    The Environmental Impact Agency of the Year award went to the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for advancing sustainable industrialisation and climate-friendly technologies.

    Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) clinched the Oil and Gas Local Content Champion of the Year 2025 award for developing Nigeria’s first onshore crude export terminal.

    Other winners include OPay (Fintech Company of the Year), Nestlé Pure Life (Product of the Year), and the Trade Modernisation Project (Company of the Year).

    Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu emerged Young College Person of the Year 2025 for her outstanding academic achievements, while Justine Madugu won Sports Person of the Year for leading the Super Falcons to a record 10th WAFCON title.

    All awardees will be honoured at the LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards Ceremony scheduled for February 12, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

  • First Lady @ 65: Steel Minister hails First Lady Tinubu

    First Lady @ 65: Steel Minister hails First Lady Tinubu

    Steel Development Minister, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, yesterday  felicitated  Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her 65th birthday celebration.

    In a statement  signed by the minister, he noted that the celebration was not only of age, but of a life dedicated to service, compassion, and devotion to the  people.

    The statement reads:p “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.

    “As First Lady, your initiatives and programmes have become a shining pillar of support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    The minister emphasised that through her advocacy for women’s empowerment, education, health, and humanitarian causes, Senator Tinubu has complemented the vision of Mr. President in delivering hope and tangible impact to Nigerians at the grassroots.

    “Indeed, your role as a steadfast partner in governance has contributed immensely to the success of this administration.

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    “Your leadership and compassion embody the values of family, community, and national service, reinforcing the collective effort to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

    “As you mark this special day, I pray that the Almighty Allah continues to strengthen you, grant you wisdom, and bless you with many more years of good health, peace, and fulfilment.

    “Your Excellency, May this new chapter of your life bring greater joy and renewed grace to continue your noble service to humanity.

    “On behalf of my family and the entire staff and Management of the Ministry of Steel Development, accept my heartfelt best wishes and highest regards.”

  • First Lady Tinubu empowers 500 women in Oyo

    First Lady Tinubu empowers 500 women in Oyo

    The First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in partnership with Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) has empowered 500 women across the 33 local government of Oyo State.

    Beneficiaries of the empowerment were given deep-chest freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines to support them in starting or growing their existing business.

    Speaking during the event at Oyo State goyvernment Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented by wife of Oyo Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, said having recognised critical role women play in nation-building, the programme aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritised inclusivity, economic growth, and sustainable development for all Nigerians, particularly women’s economic empowerment.

    She stated that women empowerment is central to achieving all the SDGs, especially SDG-5 on achieving gender equality and empower all women and girls, and SDG-8 on decent work and economic growth, which are all relevant to what we gather here for today.  

    “The items being distributed today are to equip our women with the necessary tools and resources they need to build successful businesses and to contribute to the prosperity of our great nation.”

    She urged beneficiaries of the empowerment to use the resources judiciously to grow their businesses.

    In her remark, the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on SDG,

    Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire said the empowerment marked another bold effort to empowered women across 36 states of the federation including FCT.

    He said the empowerment was a milestone to drive meaningful economic impact across Nigeria.

    She thanked Mrs Tinubu for improving life of Nigerian women, adding that RHI has been a beacon of hope to Nigerian women, giving them potentials and creating enabling environment for women to thrive.

    She said one of the aim of the empowerment was to build sustainable livelihood for Nigeria women which allinged with SDG goal, urging beneficiaries of the empowerment to use it as a stepping stone towards their financial sustainability.

    She however reaffirmed commitment of President Tinubu towards realization of the SDG goal.

    Oyo Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs. Toyin Balogun described the empowerment as a clear demonstration of Mrs. Tinubu’s efforts towards upliftment of women and their emself reliance across Nigeria.

    He commended her vision and commitment towards ensuring Nigerian women are not left out in nation building, urging them not to sell the empowerment but take full advantage of it.

    Some of the beneficiaries commended Tinubu’s wife, saying the empowerment will go along way in addressing their financial burden.

  • First Lady Tinubu gives N50m grant to women, distributes kits to midwives in Kaduna

    First Lady Tinubu gives N50m grant to women, distributes kits to midwives in Kaduna

    The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has given a grant of N50 million to the First Lady of Kaduna State, Hajiya Hafsat Uba Sani, to support 1,000 women petty traders in the state.

    This was as the First Lady also flagged off the distribution of 10,000 Professional Kits to midwives in the North-West States of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara as well as Kaduna State.

    Announcing the grant at the flag-off of the kits distribution in Kaduna on Monday, Senator Oluremi Tinubu asked the First Lady of Kaduna State who is the State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to give N50,000 each to beneficiaries, to recapitalize their existing businesses.

    A symbolic cheque of the grant which was given under the auspices of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), was presented by the First Lady at the Umaru Yarádua Conference Centre.

    She said that the Professional Kits comprise   10,000 Scrubs and 10,000 pairs of Crocs, adding that they were given by a global donor who wants to remain anonymous.

    The kits were presented to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for onward distribution to midwives in the North-West zone.

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    The First Lady pointed out that the distribution of the kits “is to complement the ongoing Federal Government retraining exercise for 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide.”

    She also promised: “All six geopolitical zones will receive 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of crocs, which will be distributed among the states in each zone.”

    Senator Tinubu disclosed that the “North-Central Zone received its allocation on the 29th of January, 2025 during my three-day working visit to Kwara State. Today, we are in Kaduna to distribute the kits to the North-West Zone. By the grace of God, the next zone to benefit will be the South-South.”

    The First Lady maintained: ‘’RHI recognises that the demands of the health profession require not only skills and compassion but also the right tools and kits to encourage our Midwives as they serve others. We thank you for all your good work.’’

    According to her, ‘’Since inception in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has provided targeted interventions in Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health and Social Investment to improve the lives of families across Nigeria.’’

    In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani noted that the presentation of the 10,000 professional kits to midwives ‘’is another demonstration of Her Excellency’s deep concern for the welfare of Nigerian women, and indeed the vulnerable and underserved in our society.’’

    ‘’Maternal mortality is one of the major challenges that our nation has been confronting. Our women have been losing their lives during childbirth due to inadequate care. The situation is more prevalent in the rural areas where access to healthcare is limited,’’ he added.

    Governor Uba Sani pointed out that midwives and nurses play pivotal roles in caring for our people, especially women at the grassroots level, adding that ‘’the welfare of these critical medical personnel must therefore be prioritized. We must at all times ensure that they are well-kitted and protected.’’

    ‘’The presentation of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the North-West could not have come at a better time. Midwives work in environments where cleanliness and infection control are paramount.

    “Wearing SCRUBS and CROCS provides a protective barrier against harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses that could be transferred through clothing,” he added.

    The governor disclosed that the Kaduna state government ⁠is ‘’also prioritizing the welfare of Nurses and Midwives. We have been training and retraining Nurses and Midwives.’’

    According to him, “We recently recruited 100 ad-hoc midwives to complement existing staff strength. However, our administration’s most significant stride in the health sector is the upgrading of 290 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) and furnishing them with state-of-the-art equipment.”

    “This has led to a modest drop in our maternal and child mortality figures. This year, we plan to upgrade and equip 255 PHCs to level-2 status. Currently, construction is ongoing for the revitalization of 143 PHCs to level-2 status across Kaduna state,” he added.

  • First Lady Tinubu urges political stakeholders to act on gender equity in governance

    First Lady Tinubu urges political stakeholders to act on gender equity in governance

    …lauds House of Reps on Bill seeking 70 slots for women

    The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday, July 22, challenged political office holders across the various political parties in Nigeria, to walk the talk on gender equity.

    She, however, commended the House of Representatives for initiating and passing for second reading a bill seeking 70 out of the 360 legislative seats in the House for women.

    Tinubu made the assertions at the spotlight initiative of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), held at the alternate Chamber of the Senate, Abuja.

    According to her, there is a critical need to address and overcome the persistent gender disparities in the nation’s political systems.

    “To fully achieve this across the board, we must be seen to walk the talk”, she said.

    She noted that the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken significant steps to remove financial barriers by making nomination forms for elective positions free at the grassroots level, to ensure that capable and qualified women can participate in the political process without the burden of prohibitive costs.

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    She said that after years of advocacy without desired results, legally backed enforcement may be put in place to change the narratives.

    The First Lady said: “While quota and education are essential, enforcement of these measures is equally critical. Governments must put in place robust mechanisms to ensure compliance with gender quotas.

    “This includes legal frameworks and monitoring systems that hold political parties accountable.

    “Constitutional amendments may also be necessary to enshrine gender equity in political representation.

    “Such amendments would provide a solid legal foundation for women’s adequate representation, ensuring that gender equity is not just a policy preference but a constitutional mandate.

    “The journey towards achieving 30% women representation in our parliament is achievable once we take the bold step to kick start the journey to an enduring democracy of quality representation.

    “I commend the Federal House of Representatives for passing the Bill seeking to reserve 74 seats for women in the National Assembly in a bid to encourage more female participation in politics and governance.

    “I believe that the leadership in the Senate is gender-friendly and urge the 10th National Assembly to give women the necessary support.

    “Nigerian women are smart and intelligent and can work alongside our male counterparts, without friction for the good and development of our country.”

  • Young Farmers’ Club to be launched in public schools – First Lady Tinubu

    Young Farmers’ Club to be launched in public schools – First Lady Tinubu

    In commemoration of the 2024 Children’s Day celebration, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has announced the launch of the Young Farmers’ Club in public primary and secondary schools across the country.

    The club, with the motto “Growing the Food I Eat Starts with me”, aims to encourage farming among young Nigerians.

    Speaking at the special Children’s Day celebration tagged “Celebrating with our Children” with the theme “Our Children, Our Future”, the First Lady emphasised the importance of nurturing curiosity, learning, and dreaming big among children.

    According to a statement issued on Monday, May 27, by her senior special assistant on media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady encouraged them to ask questions and seek guidance, despite the challenges they may face.

    The Young Farmers’ Club, an initiative of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), will be launched in state-owned primary and secondary schools.

    The first school to start the club will receive branded club T-shirts and trousers for its members. The school with the best farm in each state will be identified and awarded prizes, including school renovations, equipping of school laboratories, provision of ICT equipment, and upgrading of school libraries.

    “In addition to our various educational interventions, the ‘Young Farmers’ Club’ will soon be launched in public schools across the nation. The club will be launched in state-owned primary and secondary schools. The motto of this club is ‘Growing the Food I Eat Starts with me’. This initiative is to encourage farming among our young population.

    “The first school to start the Club, either primary or secondary, will have their members kitted with branded club T-shirts and trousers. The school with the best farm in each state would be identified, and prizes would be given to them, ranging from school renovations, equipping of school laboratories, provision of ICT equipment, and upgrading of school libraries, as their preference may be. I encourage you all to participate in this and begin to nurture your gardens in your schools and at home”, she said.

    She encouraged the children to nurture their curiosity, continue learning, and never be afraid to ask questions, adding that they should dream big and aspire for greatness, despite the challenges they may face.

    “I want to encourage you to nurture your curiosity and keep learning. Getting the right education and going to school is important for your future. Never be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance. No matter the challenges you may face, continue to dream big, and aspire for greatness”, she said.

    First Lady Tinubu reassured the children that President Bola Tinubu is committed to building a nation where every Nigerian child can reach their full potential, expressing optimism about the promising future that lies ahead for the children of Nigeria.

    The event, which featured cultural displays by schools in attendance, was attended by dignitaries, including the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima.

    In her welcome remarks, Hajia Nana Shettima, commended the First Lady for hosting over 500 school children at the State House to celebrate them, saying is a testament to her commitment to ensuring that all segments are celebrated and supported.

    Read Also: First Lady Tinubu donates books to Lagos public schools

    “Our First Lady has always attached importance to the development of our children and this is evident in the various programmes launched under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which focuses on improving the health, education, and wellbeing of women and children.

    “Through her Renewed Hope Initiative pet project, she has implemented various social investment programmes which are significant for children because when mothers are healthier and empowered, they can adequately pay for their children’s needs including their education”, she said.

    Hajia Nana Shetimma advised the children to imbibe the virtues of resilience, discipline, and hard work. She prayed for them to grow to be children who will make the nation proud.

    A grant of N10 million each was given to participating schools from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to support their developmental needs.

    The event was attended by various dignitaries including the wife of the Senate President Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Abass, and wives of service chiefs amongst others.