Tag: First Lady

• Hosts Burundian Ambassador to Nigeria in the Villa

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has emphasised the importance of education in Africa’s development, stating that it is the tool to unlock the continent’s potential.

Receiving the Burundian Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, at the State House in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu expressed gratitude that Africa has recognised the significance of education in empowering its youths to compete globally.

In a statement issued by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady encouraged youths to seize the opportunities presented to them, urging them to “brace themselves up” for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The First Lady also stressed that leaders must set a good example, saying “when we continue to do what is right for them and also lead by example, we will be able to win our youths over so that they can join in how we build the next century.”

Mrs. Tinubu praised Africa’s natural blessings, lamenting that the continent has not fully harnessed its resources. She urged Africans to appreciate and utilize their God-given assets to drive development and progress.

Read Also: Education key to Africa’s development, says First Lady

“Education is the tool for development and I thank God that Africa has known that the way out for us is to make sure that our youths are educated, so that they can really have the right of place in the market place. I also believe that the youth should realize that they need to really brace themselves up.

“When we continue to do what is right for them and also lead by example, we will be able to win our youths over so that they can join in how we build the next century.

“Africa is a continent God has really blessed and I don’t know why we have abused ourselves this long. Everything they want in developed worlds is all situated in Africa. God has really blessed us as a continent and we should not take it for granted”, she said.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to bringing not only Nigeria to its pride of place but Africa as a whole.

“We have a lot of responsibility in our country but at the same time, we have to make sure the African Continent takes its pride of place among the other continents of the world. A lot has changed in the way we do things, Nigerians are now accountable. We want to bring the respect Nigeria really deserves”.

The Burundian Ambassador, Edouard Nduwimana, who spoke through an interpreter said the visit was to register his country’s appreciation for the First Lady’s interest and support for education.

He acknowledged that Burundi has had its fair share of crisis, but noted that the country was now back on the path of peace and progress

“Burundi is now a stable state and peace reigns in Burundi. We have also established a commission for peace and reconciliation and we are on our way to development due to the amazing leadership of our current president who has established a vision for 2040 and 2060.”

• Calls for education materials, teaching methods that challenge gender stereotypes

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has emphasised the importance of integrating gender equity into educational systems to promote societal change and reduce violence against women and girls.

 Speaking at the launch of the #WeAreEqual Campaign by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in Angola, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that educating boys and men to respect and value women and girls as equals is crucial.

 In a statement issued yesterday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady highlighted the focus of the campaign on the Alternative High School For Girls, aiming to drive gender equality and support victims and survivors of gender-based violence.

 She said it is imperative that Nigerians in particular and Africans in general recognise that education plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes, beliefs and behaviours from an early age, hence, early education should be treated with utmost importance.

 First Lady Tinubu noted that education remains a critical component of any progressive society, thereby calling for the inclusion of activities to help dismantle notions of gender specific roles in teaching.

 “When gender equity becomes an integral part of our educational system, there will be a shift in societal attitudes whereby boys and men learn to respect and value women and girls as equals, reducing the likelihood of engaging in violent behaviour.

 “We are not unmindful of girls and women who have been victims and survivors. I chose education to drive the #WeAreEqual Campaign and specifically adopted the Alternative High School For Girls as the focus,” the First Lady said.

 Senator Oluremi Tinubu, decried the spate of gender and domestic violence, especially the incidences of rape and defilement, saying an educated and well informed people of both gender would abstain from such.

Read Also: First Lady advocates gender-sensitive curriculum in education

 “Education is not simply about acquiring knowledge and skills, it is about instilling values of respect, empathy and understanding. This goal requires the collective efforts of everyone.

 “Therefore, I charge us all to commit ourselves to this important cause, for the sake of our children,  the youth, and for generations yet unborn,” she said.

 In his address to declare the conference open, the President of the Republic of Angola Manuel Goncalves Lourenco urged the First Ladies to lend their voices to quell the various conflicts around the world especially as women and children are the worst affected.

 “By providing equal opportunities for girls and women to actualise their full potentials , it will go a long way to eliminate the belief of supremacy of men above women,”he said.

 He commended OAFLAD for its efforts at giving women an audible voice in ensuring the building of a society where men and women have equal rights and opportunities.

 Angolan First Lady, Ana Dias Lourenco, promised to sustain the fight against rape and see to the enhancing of legislation to punish perpetrators appropriately.

Wife of the President, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled 200 beneficiaries of the AUDA-NEPAD/African School of Economics/RHI Scholarships under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in partnership with various national and international organisations.

The beneficiaries were unveiled at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

The 200 students from various fields will commence their academic careers at the African School of Economics, an affiliate of Princeton University, USA.

The project is part of efforts to continue to enhance access to quality education for Nigerian youths.

Mrs Tinubu said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to prioritising education through numerous policies and programmes.

She highlighted significant initiatives such as the zero-interest student loan scheme, bursary and scholarship awards, and various educational infrastructure development projects aimed at ensuring that every Nigerian student has unhindered access to education.

Mrs Tinubu said: “The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has significantly advanced the education sector.

“Initiatives such as the recent zero-interest Student Loans scheme, bursary and scholarship awards to students, and various educational infrastructure development projects all aim to provide unhindered access to education for every Nigerian student.”

She also noted the success of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s National Scholarship Programme (RHI-NASP), which last year provided scholarships worth N1,000,000 per annum for four years and a brand new laptop to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

According to her, these scholarships assisted students with tuition fees, books and other educational expenses, with the second tranche of payments due next month.

Senator Tinubu reiterated her focus on the education and empowerment of the Nigerian girl-child, who has been historically and culturally excluded from receiving comprehensive formal education.

She noted that this focus has led to the establishment of Alternative High Schools for Girls across the country.

Read Also: First Lady unveils 200 scholarship beneficiaries

Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, praised the First Lady’s commitment to education.

The minister said: “Your Excellency, your dedication and drive in the education sector are highly appreciated. The ministry supports this drive with an additional 4,000 bursary grants for tertiary education students in the country.”

The Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, Princess Gloria Akobundu, said the beneficiaries are set to receive quality education both within and outside Nigeria.

The Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, expressed her country’s readiness to explore further partnerships with the Renewed Hope Initiative in education.

Wife of the President Mrs Oluremi Tinubu has unveiled 200 beneficiaries of the AUDA-NEPAD/African School of Economics/RHI Scholarships under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in partnership with various national and international organisations.

The beneficiaries were unveiled at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

The 200 students, who are across various fields, will commence their academic careers at the African School of Economics, an affiliate of Princeton University, USA.

The project is part of efforts to continue to enhance access to quality education for Nigerian youths.

Mrs Tinubu said that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to prioritising education through numerous policies and programs.

She highlighted significant initiatives such as the zero-interest Student Loan scheme, bursary and scholarship awards, and various educational infrastructure development projects aimed at ensuring every Nigerian student has unhindered access to education.

Tinubu said: “The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has significantly advanced the education sector. Initiatives such as the recent zero-interest Student Loans scheme, bursary and scholarship awards to students, and various educational infrastructure development projects all aim to provide unhindered access to education for every Nigerian student.”

She also noted the success of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s National Scholarship Programme (RHI-NASP), which last year provided scholarships worth N1,000,000 per annum for four years and a brand new laptop to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. 

According to her, these scholarships assisted students with tuition fees, books, and other educational expenses, with the second tranche of payments due next month. 

Senator Tinubu reiterated her focus on the education and empowerment of the Nigerian girl-child, who has been historically and culturally excluded from receiving comprehensive formal education. 

She noted that this focus has led to the establishment of Alternative High Schools for Girls across the country.

Read Also: First Lady unveils 200 scholarship recipients

Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, praised the First Lady’s commitment to education.

The Minister said: “Your Excellency, your dedication and drive in the education sector are highly appreciated. The Ministry supports this drive with an additional 4,000 bursary grants for tertiary education students in the country.”

The Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, Princess Gloria Akobundu said the beneficiaries are set to receive quality education both within and outside Nigeria.

The Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, expressed her country’s readiness to explore further partnerships with the Renewed Hope Initiative in education.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has unveiled 200 beneficiaries of the AUDA-NEPAD/African School of Economics/RHI Scholarships, a result of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI’s) partnerships with national and international organisations.

During a ceremony at the State House Banquet Hall yesterday in Abuja, the First Lady reaffirmed the Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to prioritising education, as evident in its various policies and programmes.

The RHI, founded by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aims to increase access to quality education for Nigerian youths, and this latest development marks a significant milestone in achieving the goal.

A statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, said Mrs. Tinubu promised that the current administration would continue to prioritise education.

“The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has done so much in the education sector. The recent zero interest Student’s Loans scheme, bursary and scholarship awards to students and various education infrastructure development projects, are all geared towards providing unhindered access to education for every Nigerian student.

Read Also: IG, First Lady, Adegboruwa warn against protest hijack

“Last year, the Renewed Hope Initiative under its National Scholarship Programme (RHI-NASP) gave scholarships to the tune of N1,000,000 per annum for four years and a brand new laptop to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. This is to assist the students with tuition fees, books, and other educational expenses. The second tranche of payment for the beneficiaries is due in September, 2024,” she said.

Mrs. Tinubu said she had consistently emphasised the education and empowerment of the Nigerian girl-child, who were culturally and traditionally excluded, to a great extent, than her male counterpart, from receiving comprehensive formal education.

This, the First Lady said, had brought about the need for the establishment of Alternative High School for Girls across the country.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, described the First Lady as an education champion.

“Your Excellency, your commitment and drive in the education sector is highly appreciated and as the Ministry, we are also supporting this drive with an additional 4,000 bursary grants for tertiary education students in the country,” he said.

The CEO of AUDA-NEPAD in Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu, explained that the beneficiaries were set to receive qualitative education from within and outside Nigeria.

The Finish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, expressed the readiness of her country to explore more partnerships with the Renewed Hope Initiative in the area of education.

A total of 200 students in various fields are to begin their academic career at the African School of Economics, an affiliate of Priston University, U.S.A., with the scholarship.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, describing her as “The Elegant Stallion” whose extraordinary talent and contributions to unity and African values have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

In a condolence message, the First Lady expressed her deep sadness over Onwenu’s passing, recalling their recent interaction during an event to celebrate Mothers of our Nation on May 25, 2024.

She praised Onwenu’s iconic song “One Love Keep Us Together” as a testament to her creativity and commitment to promoting unity and African values.

The First Lady offered her thoughts and prayers to Onwenu’s family, associates, and friends, praying for strength to bear the painful loss. She also wished for Onwenu’s gentle soul to rest in perfect peace, noting that she left a lasting legacy doing what she loved.

Read Also: First Lady urges restraint amid planned nationwide protest

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of “The Elegant Stallion”, Onyeka Onwenu, MFR,  especially as I still interacted with her not too long ago during the event to celebrate Mothers of our Nation, on the 25th of May, 2024.

“Her extraordinary talent, creativity, and contributions to unity and African values exemplified in her iconic song “One Love Keep Us Together,” have left an indelible mark on the world of music, not only in Nigeria but across the world.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, associates, and friends during this period of grief. May the Lord God grant them the strength to bear this painful and irreplaceable loss.

“She left us doing what she loved. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace”, the First Lady said.  

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with Office of the Wife of Oyo State Governor, yesterday distributed 1,750 bags of rice to vulnerable residents and the less privileged across the 33 local government areas of the state.

It was part of the First Lady’s efforts to reduce hunger among the vulnerable populace.

Mrs. Tinubu had earlier distributed free notebooks to students in public schools across the state.

The palliatives, which took place in Ibadan, the state capital, was aimed at providing relief to those affected by the current economic hardship.

Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, said the “Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agriculture Support, Education and Social Investment Programme” was part of Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate poverty and hunger.

Read Also: Why I back Tinubu despite criticism, by Rarara

The First Lady said the Federal Government was committed to ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry, hence the distribution of the rice.

Mrs. Makinde urged the beneficiaries not to divert the rice as she prayed for quick improvement in the country’s economic situation.

According to her, the rice distribution was part of Mrs. Tinubu’s nationwide initiative to provide relief to Nigerians affected by hunger and poverty.

The beneficiaries, who included widows, orphans, and the elderly, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for the kind gesture.

The said the rice would alleviate their suffering and give them with a sense of hope.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with office of the wife of Oyo state governor, on Tuesday, July 30, distributed 1,750 bags of rice to vulnerables and less privileged individuals across 33 local government in Oyo state as part of efforts to cushion the effect of hunger.

Mrs Tinubu had earlier distributed free thousands of notebooks to students in public schools across the state.

The palliatives distribution, which took place in Ibadan, the state capital, was aimed at providing relief to those affected by the current economic hardship.

Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Oyo state governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, said the “Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agriculture Support, Education and Social Investment Programme” was part of the federal government’s efforts to alleviate poverty and hunger.

She noted that the federal government was committed to ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry, hence the distribution of the rice.

Read Also: First Lady donates Coaster bus to convey rescued girls 

Mrs. Makinde urged beneficiaries to make good use of the rice and prayed for the country’s economic situation to improve soon.

According to her, the rice distribution was part of a nationwide initiative by the First Lady to provide relief to Nigerians affected by hunger and poverty.

The beneficiaries, who included widows, orphans, and the elderly, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for the kind gesture, saying the rice would go a long way in alleviating their suffering and providing them with a sense of hope.

• Urges Diaspora community to contribute to nation’s development

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a donation of a coaster bus to convey trafficked Nigerians girls recently rescued in Ghana.

This is as she called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to remember their motherland by being part of the nation’s developmental growth.

The Federal Government has in the last few months rescued 105 Nigerian women and children trafficked to Ghana.

Mrs Tinubu announced the donation at the 2024 National Diaspora Merit Award organised by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja.

The first lady said her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative, has made provision for a coaster bus to convey the rescued ladies back to the country.

She also promised to assist NiDCOM in whatever capacity she could.

She therefore urged NiDCOM boss, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to seek help from the right places so as to achieve her set goal.

She commended NiDCOM for the numerous achievements recorded in the last five years of its establishment, under the leadership of its Director General, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

She further commended NiDCOM for recognising and appreciating members of the Diaspora community who are more than 20 million in number.

“The Nigerians in the Diaspora are united by shared patriotism and love for their motherland. The world is our oyster but we must never forget our roots. That is what makes us who we are.

“Today, we honour your achievements, contributions and patriotism to our beloved nation. Your tenacity, hard work and accomplishments in various fields of endeavours are truly remarkable and a source of pride to us in Nigeria. I say well done.

“I must seize this opportunity to encourage you to continue to be a living embodiment of the best Nigeria has to offer the world, as you all are our ambassadors at large.

“Your success is not just personal but a reflection on Nigeria’s collective image. The government cannot do it alone.”

Read Also: Election losers want to overthrow government through protest, says Wike

The first lady said that the joint effort of the Diaspora community with the government can foster more achievement for the overall good of the society and benefit of the people.

She said: “As we look to the future, our collective efforts across borders are necessary to drive innovation, share knowledge and improve our human capital for shared prosperity.

“Therefore, I urge you not to relent in your efforts to continue to positively put the flag of Nigeria on the world map at all times in everything you do, and you should not forget home.

“Also, in these times of rapid change and technological advancements, your skills, talents, resources and global exposure are more essential than ever in rebuilding the Nigeria of our dreams.

“It is our joint responsibility to contribute to its progress, whether through Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), charitable endeavours, cultural preservation, amongst others.”

She congratulated all the awardees and charged other Nigerians in Diaspora to emulate the contributions and participation of the recipients.

• ‘Catching them young is key’

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has emphasised the need to empower Nigerian youths in agriculture, citing a disconnect between reality and fiction.

While receiving the Management team of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND) at the State House, Mrs. Tinubu stressed the importance of catching young people early and instilling positive values.

According to a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady expressed her commitment to supporting her husband, President Bola Tinubu, in delivering democratic dividends, particularly for women and youth.

Mrs. Tinubu’s focus on youth empowerment in agriculture aligns with the government’s efforts to revitalise the sector and ensure food security. She noted that the unavailability of farming land due to urbanization, should not be a hindrance as people can engage in smart gardening.

Read Also: Tinubu not opponent of protest but violence, says minister

According to her, the proposed Young Farmers Club by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to be launched soon in public primary and secondary schools, will further sustain the current food sufficiency drive by the federal government.

She said: “We have a lot to show our youths and I believe the time is now. There is a huge disconnect between reality and fiction. There is a need to catch them young and have them do right. Once the children get it, it would be easy to bring it home.

“My being here is to support my husband and ensure we are able to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, and see what we can do especially for the women and youths.”

Executive Secretary of the NADFUND, Mohammed Ibrahim lauded the various Agric-centered programs of the RHI by the First Lady, particularly the Women in Agric Support Program (WASP), the Young Farmers Club and the #Every Home a Garden competition.