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Tag: First Lady

  • Yuletide: First Lady urges Nigerians to embrace hope, unity

    Yuletide: First Lady urges Nigerians to embrace hope, unity

    …says better days are ahead

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, believing that better days are ahead, as she extended her Christmas and New Year greetings to the nation. 

    In her message, the First Lady reflected on the progress made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, assuring citizens that the government’s efforts to bring about positive change are already yielding results.  

    She expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and patience during this transformative period. Emphasizing the importance of unity, love, and embracing the country’s rich diversity, she underscored these values as essential for fostering national growth and harmony. 

    Read Also: Yuletide: LAWMA ready for waste upsurge

    As 2024 comes to a close, the First Lady encouraged Nigerians to look forward to a prosperous 2025, filled with love, joy, and peace.

    She wished all citizens a Merry Christmas and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the lives of Nigerians.

    “As we celebrate Christmas and look forward to the New Year, 2025, I want to take a moment to send my warmest wishes to all Nigerians.

    “I express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and patience as we work towards building a better Nigeria. I want to assure you that under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we are committed to positive changes that will benefit every Nigerian.

    “Some of the changes are already yielding positive results.

    “As this year comes to a close, let us hold onto the belief that better days are ahead. Let us continue to love and support one another, foster unity, and embrace the diversity that makes our nation so great.

    “I wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025 filled with love, joy, peace and prosperity”, she said.

  • Yuletide: First Lady donates 1,000 bags of rice to Bauchi Christian community

    Yuletide: First Lady donates 1,000 bags of rice to Bauchi Christian community

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a gesture of goodwill to the Christian community in Bauchi State by donating 1,000 bags of 25kg rice to support their Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    The gesture was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at alleviating the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

    Speaking during the handover on Monday, the Bauchi State Coordinator of the Northern Nigeria Christian Political Forum, Ayuba Umar Yelwa, announced that the donation was facilitated through the organization, which operates across the 19 Northern states and the FCT.

    “In her usual compassionate manner, Her Excellency, the Wife of the President, has donated 1,000 bags of 25kg rice to the Christian community in Bauchi State for the Yuletide celebrations,” Yelwa said.

    Read Also: Yuletide: PFN celebrates, supports 60 families of inmates in Lagos

    He explained that the rice would be distributed across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, prioritizing widows, widowers, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

    “This is the first time we are receiving such a gesture from the Presidency, particularly through the Office of the First Lady, under the leadership of Hon. Amin Sani Jaji. We are deeply grateful,” Yelwa added.

    Yelwa also revealed that the initiative followed a meeting between the organization and Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on December 19, 2024, in Kaduna. 

    He expressed optimism that the donation would help ease the economic challenges faced by many during the festive season.

    The coordinator for Bauchi LGA, Iliya Bukar, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Coordinators, adding that the donation would bring joy to many families during the season.

    “We assure the donor that the distribution will be fair and just, reaching the intended beneficiaries,” he said.

  • Christmas: First Lady calls for love, unity, environmental stewardship

    Christmas: First Lady calls for love, unity, environmental stewardship

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to embody the spirit of Christmas by showing love to their neighbours and extending a helping hand to those in need.

     Speaking at a special Christmas brunch for children from two foster homes at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja yesterday, the First Lady encouraged citizens to embrace kindness and generosity.

     In a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said “Christmas should remind us to love our neighbours and go all out to help others. Next year, let’s make it a year of love and a cleaner, greener Nigeria.”

     The First Lady pointed out that the Federal Government had been doing all to ensure that lives of Nigerians get better and will continue to do so with all vigour in the new year.

     She described the incoming year as one of hope, love and actualisation of God’s goodness in the nation.

     Senator Oluremi Tinubu urged the children to show love to their friends, sisters, brothers and neighbours as exemplified by Christ who is the reason for the Christmas season.

     “The reason we are all here is to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ”, she read from the book which she authored “The Christmas Story” which explains the birth, life and times of Jesus.

    Read Aso: First Lady gives out 22,800 bags of rice to North’s Christians

    The book, “The Christmas Story’, reimagines the story of Jesus’ birth with Nigerian characters, bringing the message of hope and purpose closer home.

     The First Lady also answered questions from the children.

    Children from Abuja Children Home and Vine Heritage Home Foundation (VHHF) who were the guests at the annual Children’s Christmas Brunch, competed in a national anthem contest, receiving cash prizes, and were treated to gifts, food, and drinks.

     While speaking to journalists after the event, the First Lady reflected on her personal journey, encouraging Nigerians to approach the new year with optimism and a focus on faith.

     As the children left with gifts and smiles, the First Lady’s message rang clear: Christmas is a time to share love, spread hope, and work together for a brighter future.

     Also present at the Children’s Christmas Brunch were the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Speaker House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen Abass, wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajia Laila Barau, wives of NASS members, wives of Ministers and wife of the CG Nigeria Customs Service, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi.

  • Christmas: First Lady donates 22,800 bags of rice, N95m to northern states’ Christians

    Christmas: First Lady donates 22,800 bags of rice, N95m to northern states’ Christians

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated 22,800 bags of rice to Christians in the 19 northern states as palliatives for Christmas and New Year.

    Flagging off the donation at Murtala Square in Kaduna, the First Lady announced that each of the 19 states in the region would receive 1,200 bags of rice and N5 million each for the transportation of the food items.

    The event was graced by the Governors of Katsina State, Dikko Radda; Benue State, Father Hyacinth Alia; Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; and Kaduna State, Uba Sani, who welcomed the dignitaries.

    In her address, Senator Tinubu thanked the Northern Christian Political Forum for their warm reception and recalled a similar initiative she and the Vice President’s wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima, undertook in Imo State.

    She emphasised her gratitude, saying, “I thank you for believing in this journey even when political challenges arose. We, as Christians, know that ingratitude is a great sin. When Jesus healed the ten lepers, only one returned to give thanks, and Jesus asked, ‘Where are the other nine?’”

    The First Lady also acknowledged several key figures, including the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas; the wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Miriam Barau; the Minister of Agriculture and his wife; the wife of the Minister of Transport; the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mrs. Eno; and the wife of the Inspector-General of Police, Mrs. Egbetokun.

    Governor Uba Sani, in his remarks, described Senator Tinubu as a caring and compassionate mother of the nation. He praised her for her dedication to humanity, highlighting her social intervention programmes during her time as Lagos State’s First Lady and her impactful legislative work in the 9th Senate.

    “Her life is one devoted to the service of humanity. Her generosity knows no bounds,” he said.

    The Governor added that, as First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Tinubu has continued her efforts to uplift the underprivileged through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Schemes for the Elderly and Women. He also noted that the distribution of palliatives aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating Nigerians’ hardships.

    “Our dear President is a listening leader who hears the cries of the people and takes steps to address economic challenges. The future looks bright,” he added.

    Governor Sani highlighted his administration’s efforts to support the vulnerable through financial inclusion programmes, social intervention initiatives, and the Kaduna Peace Model, which has become a reference point for conflict resolution in other states.

    He urged the people of Kaduna State to use the festive season to foster peace and unity, adding, “Our dear state has bounced back to reckoning. Let us consolidate the prevailing peaceful atmosphere.

  • Gowon, First Lady, Akpabio, Wike grace Nine Lessons and Carols

    Gowon, First Lady, Akpabio, Wike grace Nine Lessons and Carols

    • CAN boss urges unity, compassion

    Unity and compassion were the keywords that echoed mainly yesterday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the venue of this year’s Nine Lessons and Carols Service to usher in this year’s Yuletide. 

    The event with the theme “Immanuel, Our Restorer of Hope,”  was graced by   Nigeria’s top leaders,  clerics, and hundreds of Christians.

    Among them were former Head of State   Gen. Yakubu Gowon;    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu;   Senate President Godswill Akpabio and  Deputy House of Representatives Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

    Read Also: First Lady to Nigerians: dream big and love your country

    Others were former First Lady Patience Jonathan and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

    Vice-President of the Christian Association of Nigeria  Baba Payan, delivered a sermon that struck a chord with the attendees. He urged  Nigerians to rise above divisions and embody love in their daily activities.   

    Quoting Hebrews 13:1-2, Payan encouraged Christians to know that brotherly love remains the foundation of a strong and united society.

    Your neighbour is anyone who requires your help. You should therefore extend kindness to them, especially during this festive season,’’ he admonished.

  • First Lady to Nigerians: dream big and love your country

    First Lady to Nigerians: dream big and love your country

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Saturday received an Honorary Doctorate of Public Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun. 

    Addressing a distinguished audience of academics, industry leaders, and graduands, the First Lady called on Nigerians to be unwavering ambassadors of the nation.

    During her acceptance speech, the First Lady expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, noting the resurgence of local industries and growing interest from foreign investors. 

    According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said “the nation is on the path of full recovery.  We must all be united and committed to nurturing it to reap the good of this land, for the sake of our generation and those to come”, she said. 

    Senator Tinubu, an alumna of OAU, emphasized the importance of patriotism and ambition, urging citizens to “dream big” and “never forget love for country.” 

    Read Also: First Lady encourages out-of-school girls not to lose dreams

    She announced plans to rally support from fellow awardees, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, to provide campus shuttle buses for the university.

    In addition, she endowed four academic prizes to further encourage excellence within the institution. 

    Other distinguished recipients of honorary doctorates included Dr. Akinade Ogunbiyi, Professor Olusegun Adegbulugbe, Dr. Olutokun Toriola, and Dr. Daere Akobo.

    The event underscored Senator Tinubu’s commitment to national development and youth empowerment, reinforcing her role as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Nigerians.

  • First Lady, MTN boss, others to get OAU’s honourary doctorate

    First Lady, MTN boss, others to get OAU’s honourary doctorate

    • 215 among 6,015 graduating students make First Class

    The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) at Ile-Ife in Osun State is set to confer honourary doctoral degrees on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Prince Karl Toriola, and some other eminent citizens.

    The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, announced this at the pre-convocation media briefing yesterday on the university’s campus in Ile-Ife, ahead of the 48th convocation.

    He said three other exceptional Nigerians, including the Group Chairman of Mutual Benefit Plc whose organisation employed over 5,000 youths, Dr. Akinade Ogunbiyi; as well as professor of Energy Planning and Management, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe and the Chairman of PANA Holdings and the Group Managing Director of PE Energy Limitedd, DK-LoK Nigeria Limited, and Kari Care Technology Limited, Daere Afonya-Akobo.

    Prof. Bamire noted that “Senator Oluremi Tinubu is an advocate for the underprivileged, particularly women and children. She founded the Yeye Asiwaju Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to women’s and children’s empowerment, and the New Era Foundation, focusing on youth development, environmental health, and community service.

    Read Also: OAU to confer honorary degrees on First Lady Tinubu, MTN boss, others

    “She gave grants for Spelling Bee, petty traders and even sponsored prizes in Faculty of Education with N50 million. She donated N1 billion to the school recently.”

    The vice chancellor announced that “215 graduated with First Class, 2,197 bagged Second Class Upper Division, while 2,691 finished with Second Class Lower and 755 are in Third Class category.

    He added that “61 of them finished with Upper Credit, 33 bagged Lower Credit and 62 have Pass. In total, 6,015 will graduate for classified degree, 395 for unclassified and 958 for postgraduate degrees”.

  • OAU to confer honorary degrees on First Lady Tinubu, MTN boss, others

    OAU to confer honorary degrees on First Lady Tinubu, MTN boss, others

    In celebration of its 48th convocation, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state, is set to confer honorary doctorate degrees on notable individuals, including the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Prince Karl Toriola.

    Speaking at the convocation press briefing on Thursday, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, announced that three other exceptional Nigerians will also be honoured.

    The recipients include Dr. Akinade Ogunbiyi, group chairman of Mutual Benefit Plc, which employs over 5,000 youths; Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe; and Daere Afonya-Akobo.

    He explained: “Oluremi TinubuI is an advocate for the underprivileged, particularly women and children. She founded the Yeye Asiwaju Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to women’s and children’s empowerment, and the New Era Foundation, focusing on youth development, environmental health, and community service.

    “She gave grants for the spelling bee, and petty traders and even sponsored prizes in the Faculty of Education with N50 million. She donated N1billion for the school recently.” 

    Speaking about the graduates, he said: “215 graduated with First Class, 2,197 bagged Second Class Upper Division while 2,691 finished with Second Class Lower, 755 are in Third Class category. 

    “61 of them finished with Upper Credit, 33 bagged lower credit and 62 have pass grades. In total 6,015 will graduate for classified degrees, 395 for unclassified, and 958 for postgraduate degrees.” 

  • Shettima pays tribute to late Akwa Ibom First Lady at funeral

    Shettima pays tribute to late Akwa Ibom First Lady at funeral

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday joined other dignitaries to pay tribute to the late Mrs. Patience Eno, wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, at her funeral ceremony in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

    In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described the late First Lady Eno as a wonderful woman who lived a life of service to God and humanity in pastoral care, just like her husband. 

    Speaking during her funeral ceremony in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium local government area of Akwa Ibom State, the Vice President said the invaluable contributions of the late Mrs. Eno to society and her exemplary role as a silent yet profound leader in Nigeria will be an inspiration for generations.  

    He said, “We are here to celebrate life, the life of an Amazon who has contributed immensely and tremendously to the peace, stability, and progress of Akwa Ibom State, the South-South region, and the nation as a whole. She was a pillar of support to her husband, the family, and we are all going to surely miss her.”

    VP Shettima who attended the funeral at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prayed God to “grant His Excellency the Governor, the Senate President, the government, and the good people of Akwa Ibom State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

    According to the Vice President, the late “Mrs. Patience Eno embodied the essence of women’s unsung leadership in our society. 

    “Her actions spoke louder than words, through her service to the underprivileged, her pastoral commitment, and her tireless dedication to the well-being of others,” he added.

    VP Shettima lauded the late First Lady for her charitable initiative, the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), which provided essential resources such as food, shelter, and education to vulnerable members of the community.  

    “She was not just a wife or a mother; she was a leader who exemplified the strength and grace of Nigerian women. Through her work with GIFA and her unwavering faith, she touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on Akwa Ibom and beyond,” the Vice President stated. 

    Noting the broader significance of Mrs. Eno’s life as a reflection of women’s leadership in Nigeria, Senator Shettima said the nation owes much of its progress to women like her, “who led not with titles but with actions.”

    He continued: “They are the backbone of families, communities, and our nation’s moral compass. Her legacy of service, compassion, and faith is a beacon that will continue to inspire generations. She lived not just for herself but for others—for God, for Akwa Ibom, and humanity.

    Read Also: Shettima seeks China’s support to overcome insecurity

    “She showed us all that leadership is not always in the spotlight. It is in the quiet sacrifices, the selfless acts of giving, and the courage to care for others,” the Vice President added. 

    Dignitaries who attended the funeral service included President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau; Wife of the Vice President, Nana Kashim Shettima, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

    Others are a member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem; other members of the National Assembly; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, among many others.

  • First Lady set to unveil winner in ‘Every Home A Garden’ competition 

    First Lady set to unveil winner in ‘Every Home A Garden’ competition 

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu is set to unveil the winner in the Every Home A Garden competition, which is targeted at helping Nigeria reach food sufficiency.

    She announced this after a final selection review was held in her office by members of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Governing Board, assisted by friends of RHI.

    According to a statement issued on Tuesday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said: “The objective of this competition has been achieved because people can now feed themselves and their neighbours, when we started this journey like almost a year ago, nobody would have believed us that it is possible. 

    “However, as we can see, even from the State House garden, we know the possibility of what it could mean for people to grow some food from home.

    “This is to ensure food sufficiency. Even as at yesterday, I was still harvesting, the tea that I took this morning is so medicinal I am really happy; this would have not been possible if it had not been for God and all the people that God has equipped this office with to do the work.

    Read Also: First Lady urges action during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

    “Everybody is dedicated, we thank God for our husbands too, they are all friends of RHI and we are satisfied with the winner which would be announced officially by Dec. 4th”.

    To arrive at the winner, a  final presentation of the three finalists in the competition  was watched and graded by the First Lady and the panel of assessors.

    She said the initiative has encouraged women to plant gardens within their homes for food sufficiency.

    The Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, who is also the Vice-Chairman of RHI and a member of the selection team commended the First Lady for her passion.

    As scheduled, the winner will be unveiled on December 4, this year, and will walk away with a prize sum of ₦20 million.

    The competition was initiated last year by Nigeria’s First Lady to drive food production in the country by promoting home and smart gardening among women.