Tag: First Lady

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed food items to 600 vulnerable residents of Nasarawa State under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

Speaking yesterday in Lafia, the state capital, during the symbolic presentation of the items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and people living with disabilities (PLWDs) as well as other vulnerable groups, the First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, said the initiative was part of the social investment programme (SIP) of the current Federal Government.

She explained that the programme was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to leave no one behind in ensuring food security and sufficiency across the country.

The First Lady said under the scheme, a trailer loaded with assorted food items was donated to the government for onward distribution to the identified groups.

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Senator Tinubu said the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano and Nasarawa states had benefited, while Benue State would be the next.

She explained that the SIP, under the RHI was also focusing on other programmes, like health, agriculture, education, and economic empowerment, to improve the lives of Nigerians.

“So far, the Renewed Hope Initiative has donated agricultural implements and provided financial support to women farmers, awarded scholarship to students in tertiary institutions, ICT training for women, financial support to elderly, among many other activities,” she said.

The First Lady announced that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with RHI, had completed plans to donate a truck-load of fertiliser and bags of rice to each state, starting with Nasarawa.

Senator Tinubu also said the RHI board had approved N50,000 for 1,000 women in each state as part of women economic empowerment programme.

The governor’s wife, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule, urged the beneficiaries not to sell the food items.

In line with her campaign promise to promote the economic empowerment of Nigerian women, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has provided a substantial quantity of fabric to support women in politics.

The scheme which comes under the Social Investment Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative is designed to support the financial base of women politicians and was flagged off at the National Secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on Wednesday, May 22.

Represented by the vice president’s wife, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, the First Lady said the support was meant for APC women who are into the fabric business.

Handing over the fabrics, Hajiya Shettima said: “The little present we came with is to support our APC women who are into the fabrics business. Probably, the quantity might not be to your expectations but I urge you to take it in good faith and to assure you that more of this programmes are on the way.

“Your Excellency, without flattering, her Excellency (Oluremi) within the one year has criss-crossed the 36 states. She has been to the six geopolitical zones. She is someone who is eager and wants to see changes in the country.

“My appeal to all of us here is to be our sisters’ keeper. No matter what, let us appreciate one another. We all know it is easy to destroy but very difficult to build.”

Read Also: APC targets more states, Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, says Ganduje

APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who was elated by the initiative made case for women to be given more opportunities in view of their contributions to the electoral victory of the party in the last general election.

He said: “We are not surprised seeing the first lady coming up with this very important programme. The population of women in Nigeria is more than the population of men.

“So, you can see that when it comes to elections, women are more committed despite environmental hazards, be it cold, dust weather, they will stay through.

“But when it comes to the sharing of the success of the election it is dominated by men. We have to change this narrative of women’s participation in politics. We have begun it as a party by speaking to the Chief executives at the state level to begin to include women’s participation at the local government level.”

On the First Lady initiative, Ganduje said that the programme was aimed at improving the financial inclusiveness for women.

“I’m happy to hear that this programme is for women who are already in the fabrics business and their business is down due to the present economic challenge which is all over the world.

“By introducing this programme, is an asset because they will increase their goods and when they sell them they will buy more wrappers to shore up their businesses.

“But I want to advise those who are in charge of this program, the first and second ladies have done their own. What is left is for you to be honest, transparent, and nationalistic so that these wrappers will go to the target group. Secondly, these wrappers don’t expect anything from there, don’t expect transport fare, they are free, give them free.”

The First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said she has chosen concern for education as the focus of the #WeAreEqual Campaign of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in Nigeria.

First Lady Tinubu disclosed this on Monday in her address at the Launch of the OAFLAD’s #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria, held at the State House in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady was joined by other members of the OAFLAD to re-emphasise the need for collective action towards gender equity and closing the gap through the #WeAreEqual Campaign.

Tinubu, however, noted that making education the focus of the campaign, which is also tagged ‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change: No Girl Left Behind’, in the country does not mean that the other three pillars, including Health, Gender-Based Violence and Economic Empowerment would, be neglected.

“The theme for #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria is ‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change: No Girl Left Behind’. The Campaign is focused on four main pillars, namely: Health, Gender-Based Violence, Education and Economic Empowerment.

“To rally stakeholders and call for action around each of these key issues, to promote the ‘#WeAreEqual’ Campaign in Nigeria, I have decided to use education as a tool, whilst also not neglecting other pillars of the Campaign.

“Many of these pillars are also being championed under the scope of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) which is led by my Office to complement the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, she said.

She informed the gathering of over 8 African First Ladies that as part of activities leading to the launch of the campaign, she was at Osogbo, Osun State on April 23 for the Sod-Turning Ceremony for the construction of a new Alternative High School for Girls.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu added that the Alternative High School for Girls would soon be established in other parts of the country to enable girls who dropped out of school the opportunity to acquire a complete secondary school education.

“My motivation for the establishment of this school as an educationist is the desire to see young girls and women who dropped out of school due to several challenges have another opportunity to complete high school and acquire higher education to enable them reach their full potential in life.

“I must also say that Mr President values education and has introduced the National Student Loan Scheme which is now in effect for our youth to have unhindered access to education, knowing that education is the bedrock of national development and the cornerstone upon which dreams are built, skills acquired and aspirations generally realized. 

“I believe that every State in Nigeria, and indeed Africa should have schools where socio-economically disadvantaged girls and women can access education without fear or discrimination.’’

She said that the government is striving to get to the peak of the situation “gradually, I believe we can achieve this goal with the support of critical stakeholders in the education sector particularly, the Federal and State Ministries of Education.

“The prototype of these schools is equipped with crèche facilities, ICT centres, vocational centres and qualified academic and non-academic staff members. Such schools, when built by the Federal Government are transferred to the State Government for day-to-day running and maintenance. 

“I say to the young women and girls, who will attend this school, remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams’.

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“I encourage you to believe in your dreams and seize this opportunity. Be bold, challenge limits, and recognise your potential. This school is your starting point, but where you go from here is entirely in your hands”, Mrs Tinubu said.

The Minister for Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who was the guest speaker acknowledged that many Nigerian children are out of school adding that the present administration is working to ensure that complete education for all is achievable.

He assured that with the efforts and renewed commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is on a progressive streak in education.

…says she’s a reference point for all Nigerian youths

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has welcomed 2nd Lt. Oluchukwu Owowoh, the first female Sandhurst-trained Nigerian Army officer, after she completed her training, describing her as an inspiration to the nation’s youth.

2nd Lt. Owowoh completed her training from the Royal Military Academy (RMA), Sandhurst, United Kingdom, on the 12th of April, 2024.

According to a statement issued by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady, who noted the sterling performances of 24-year-old personnel, said the officer is a good example of the great feats Nigerian youth can achieve.

“Your determination and resilience are quite remarkable and you are an inspiration to the youth of this country. As a woman, the first who has made a mark in a male-dominated field, I salute you.

“You have the entire world ahead of you. This is just the beginning. You are now a reference point for all Nigerian Youth. If you remain focused and positive, you will reach your goal in life”, she said.

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First Lady Tinubu, in a practical demonstration of celebrating the young officer, requested all present, including the Wife of the Vice President, Wife of the Speaker, wives of ministers, wives of service chiefs, and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, to give a standing ovation to 2nd Lt Owowoh.

“I thank the Nigerian Army for giving 2nd Lt Owowoh the opportunity even in this male-dominated field. Thank you”, she said.

In her remarks, the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Oghogho Musa, pointed out that the training and graduation of Owowoh is a testament to improved female inclusion in the country.

The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj. Gen O.J.Ochai explained that Owowoh was the best of the 200 selected cadets from the NDA.

He said the officer excelled in three areas earmarked, which were academics, military subjects, and physical fitness.

She received the prestigious Sandhurst Medal after the likes of Sir Winston Churchill, Prince Willams of Wales, and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

She has since been assigned to the Nigerian Military Intelligence unit on her return to the country.

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has commended Second Lt. Oluchukwu Owowoh for emerging as the first Nigerian female cadet to graduate from the Royal Military Academy (RMA), Sandhurst, United Kingdom.

Mrs Tinubu, who received Owowoh, led by Maj.-Gen. John Ochia, the Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), to the State House on Monday described her achievement as outstanding and divine.

“Your story is that of aspiration, resilient and determination, really, your case is divine; it is not because you studied very hard but because God selected you for a purpose.

“It is going to be from glory to glory, that is why we are here to celebrate you for what you have done, and I know that you still have more worlds ahead of you.

“I pray that goodness and mercy will continue to follow you. The nation would continually celebrate you because of what you have done.

Oluremi also commended the Nigeria Army for giving a female, the chance to excel.

“I want to thank the Nigerian Army for giving you that opportunity, for realising that this is your time and you did not disappoint them.

“You have opened doors for other women so that they can look at them and given them a trial.

“I pray that God will teach you every step of the way, how to behave and you will bring joy to your generation and generation unborn because you have become a reference.

Oluremi further encouraged the nation’s youth to emulate Owowoh’ resiliency and caution them to desist from being destructive, lousy and problematic.

She however, recommended Owowoh for a national award and encouraged her superiors to encourage her to become a youth advocate for others to learn positively from her.

Earlier, Ochai had said that Owowoh’s outstanding performance, marks history amidst countries like India, Pakistan, Qatar, UK, Canada, Australia and others, who brought their best to be trained in that institution where she succeeded.

He said that Owowoh was subjected to rigorous trainings and that she exceled. “If she was male, we would have left it at that but because she is a female we tested her and she came first in academics, even in the physical training, she went through a tough  process until her male colleagues even noticed that we do not have to go further.

“In the male dominant profession like this, in the Army in particular, what is significant about her graduation is that the RMA, is one of the oldest military training institutions for the training of officers for armed forces of countries in the commonwealth and UK.

“ The significance of Owowoh’s case is that, in the cause of the training, we selected the best; she surpassed the record of over 200 male cadet officers, when we did the selection, she came first and we doubted her.

“Secondly, she is going on a global skill, are we going to risk putting her there and probably if she eventually did not graduate, then it will be an embarrassment to the nation, we subjected her to another test and she came first again.

“In that academy, gender is not given preference to, as a matter of fact even in their accommodation, they share other facilities and control the same training, no concession, if you fail at any point you will drop and she came out as the best.

“It is on that note that I wish to present Owowoh to you,’’ Ochai said.

Mrs Oghogho Musa, the President of Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association, (DEPOWA), on behalf of other officer’s wives associates, who also accompanied the celebrant, appreciated the Nigerian Army for giving Owowoh the chance to shine.

“We are sincerely grateful, today, our hearts are full with gladness because like the commandant said, the NDA is dominated by men and our sister excelled  and became the overall best.

“We are grateful to God for giving us such a brilliant officer and keeping the flag flying for us. As women, we are happy that the inclusions we are talking about, we are seeing the result now.’’

Musa said that her success would create rooms for more women in the military to be included in key decision making and get involved in other notable exercises.

Owowoh in her response, expressed gladness and gratitude for the supports she got, saying that “the nation should expect greater things from her.

“I feel honoured, I am overwhelmed because this does not come like an everyday breakfast. It comes due to my hard work, dedication, God’s grace and mentorship from my officers and my parent’s advice, all this come together for me to be where I am today.

“Nigeria should expect the best from me; I will give in my best in my capacity with the help of God and with the Nigeria Army giving me the backup that is required.

Read Also: Insecurity won’t deter us from providing quality education – First Lady

“I will also try to learn what is specific to my, field, to my corps and try my best to deliver what I can.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Owowoh, a 23-year officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces, graduated from RMA in a colourful sovereign parade on April 12.

She was a member 70 Regular Course before she proceeded to the RMA for training. Owowoh passed out as second lieutenant alongside 24 other International Cadets with honours and was recognized for her exceptional  performance during her time at the RMA.

NAN also reports that Other dignitaries, who  received Owowoh alongside the first lady were Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Chief of Army Staff, Mrs Maria Lagbaja among others.\

(NAN)

…says education’s the way to grow as a nation

Despite the constant threat posed to education by insecurity, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has assured that the federal government will not be deterred from giving deserved quality education to the younger generation. 

She was speaking when the minister of education, Prof Tahir Mamman, and his management team, paid her a visit in her office at the State House Abuja on Friday 3rd May.

According to a statement issued by her senior special assistant on media, Busola Kukoyi, First Lady Tinubu also lauded the drive by the Federal Ministry of Education to get more teachers for government schools in the country.

The First Lady noted that as a teacher herself, it is important to improve on the profession and the practitioners so as to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

“I will join you to champion the drive for more teachers in the country. They are very important to the teaching outcomes we get”, she said. 

The First Lady commended the minister for approving the change of name from Second Chance School to Alternative High School for Girls, saying the new name is more dignifying.

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“Education is the way to grow as a nation. We know insecurity is there, discouraging girl child education, but we will not be intimidated from giving this generation what they deserve, quality education. 

“Governors should be encouraged to adopt the Alternative High School for Girls. Once UBEC builds one in the state, they should build more. These girls should be given the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. How will they fill on their resume, I went to Second Chance School, and people will ask, what did you do?”

The First Lady also called the attention of the Minister to the need for Adult Literacy Schools in the country and also the re-introduction of Technical Colleges to cover for the children who could not get into Tertiary institutions due to poor academic strength.

In his remarks, the Minister, Prof Tahir Mamman explained that his Ministry is introducing Skills Acquisition from the primary school level.

“The issue of Out of out-of-school children is getting our due attention. Only about 25% of our youth get into tertiary institutions. We have to see to the others that are just there. We must get them well trained in their chosen skills”.

He stated that the ministry is prioritizing those who want to study education in Tertiary Institutions. 

Prof. Mamman then presented 100 General Scholarships for Female Students and 1000 Bursary Awards for those studying education to the First Lady.

Those on the visit include the minister of state for education, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu; DG NEPAD, Princess Gloria Akoundo; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Mrs didi Walson- Jack; and other Directors in the ministry.

I acknowledge the immense contributions of our nation’s workforce which is renowned for its dedication, resilience, and innovation.

I,, therefore salute the teachers who nurture young minds, the farmers who cultivate our land, the doctors and nurses who safeguard our health, the engineers who build our infrastructure, and countless others who dedicate their skills and energy to building a better Nigeria.

Today, let us not only celebrate work but also reflect on how we can be a better and more productive workforce.

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On this Workers’ Day, I celebrate the spirit of work with pride. May it continue to be a source of strength, prosperity, and national progress for Nigeria.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON

First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria