Tag: First Lady

Two hundred and fifty vulnerable elders in Lagos State have benefitted from the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. 

The beneficiaries got N100, 000 each. 

The initiave was launched simultaneously across the 36 states of the country, and Abuja. 

The total money disbursed amounts to N950 million as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative and each state got N25 million. 

Beneficiaries also got free one-year health insurance under the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (LASHMA), courtesy Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The governor’s wife, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, promised that the state would replicate the initiative, saying that by February 2024, more elderly persons would benefit. 

Beneficiaries, aged 65 years and above, were nominated from the five ibile divisions of the state – Ikeja, Lagos, Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry. 

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, who also doubles as the state coordinator, read Mrs. Tinubu’s speech. 

The speech read: “This Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), with the theme ‘Better Days Ahead’, is and economic empowerment programme borne out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our elderly citizens. It marks a significant stride in our collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.

“This scheme is to support  250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

“These selected beneficiaries will receive N100,000 each. This is to cushion the effects of the economic situation and alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period.

“The total sum to be disbursed is N950 million as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state will receive N25 million. We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination.

Read Also: JUST IN: Tight security as First Lady attends Renewed Hope programme in Abuja

“As we approach the festive season, it becomes very important to emphasise the significance of prioritising our elderly citizens in our initiatives. By reaching out to the eljderly this festive period, we not only honour their contributions, but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face. 

“To our senior citizens, I urge you to embrace life to the fullest, prioritise your health, nurture your minds, and strengthen your bonds with loved ones and with God. These are the keys to a rich and fulfilling life in your golden years.

“I equally extend my heartfelt appreciation to all your excellencies, state coordinators of RHI, and partners who have supported with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to beneficiaries, in ensuring the success of this programme. 

“This period should be a time of joy and comfort for all, even as we hope for a greater Nigeria, in security, education, health, employment and business opportunities for all. We seek your continued support and prayers for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as we look forward to better days ahead.”

• Tinubu’s wife hosts administration’s maiden Christmas Carol

• CAN President: Nigeria will flourish

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu yesterday hosted the crème -de- la- crème of  Nigeria’s past and present leadership at the 2023 Service of Nine Lessons and Carol in Abuja.

 The service, the first under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, had: “Immanuel, Our Hope of Glory” as its theme.

Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF) George Akume and  Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu were among the signatories. 

At the event, marked by a galore of Christmas carols, Mrs Tinubu preached hope to Nigerians and assured them that next year would be hallmarked by peace.

 She expressed optimism that Nigeria would take her rightful place in the comity of nations and called for prayers, especially by clerics for the nation.

“I want to appreciate you, we can only covet your prayers. I believe the best is now in Nigeria, we shall experience and see it. 2024 is the year of peace, Nigeria will take her place in the comity of nations,” the First Lady said.

 Deputy Speaker Kalu said with the elections past, Nigerians from all political factions must reconcile for the nation’s progress.

He said, “Peace is all the season represents. The Prince of Peace was given birth to. So, those who are angry, agitated and interested in violence, should drop it.

“Let us forgive one another, Let us get reconciled to our families, communities, states and the nation.

“We are believing that 2024 will bring what we have never seen before, the prosperity that will amaze us.“

  Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who was one of the monarchs at the event that held at the State House Conference Center, Presidential Villa,  said though the times seem tough economically, Nigerians can weather the storms through resilience. 

“My message to Nigerians is that we should continue to look up to God. Yes, things are tight, we all know. But there would be succour. That’s our prayers. All the traditional rulers are joining forces towards this.

“In this festive season, we continue to pray to God for things to be better. We’ve been very resilient, and the resilience will continue to uphold us.

“When things get better, we will have more time to enjoy the fruit of our labour,” Oba Ogunwusi, remarked.

  Gowon,  Jonathan and Akpabio attended the service with their wives Victoria, Patience and Ekaetta.

Other personalities  included the Head of Service of the Civil Service of the Federation    Folashade Yemi-Esan; , members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), members of the diplomatic corps, first-class traditional rulers, military and para-military chiefs  

Arch Bishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa, read the message of Christmas, while the Mass Choir of the  Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) sang all the songs in English, Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo.

Gowon took the 1st lesson, “The fall of Man” from Genesis 3:1-24,  while the CDS, Musa read the second lesson “Promise to Abraham) from Genesis 22:1-19

Chief Justice of Nigeria, represented by a Justice of the Supreme Court, took the 3rd Lesson, “The Prophecy of the Messiah’s Kingdom of Peace”, from the book of Isaiah 11:1-19

Head of Service took the 4th Lesson on behalf of all workers in the nation, “The Prophet Tells of the Prince of Peace”, from Isaiah 9:6-7.

  SGF  Akume read the 5th Lesson “The Annunciation of Mary” from Luke 1:26-38.

  Kalu, read the 6th Lesson “The Birth of Immanuel”, from Matthew 1:18-23 while Akpabio read the 7th Lesson “The Shepherd’s Visit”, from Luke 2:8-20.

The First Lady   read the 8th Lesson “Adoration of the Magi” Mathew 2:1-12,

Bishop Adegbite read the 9th Lesson “St. John Unfolds the Great Mystery of the Incarnation” John 1:1-14

  CAN President, Daniel Okoh, in his Christmas message said the 2023 Christmas was special because it is the first after the general elections in the country.

Read Also: Oyo First Lady hosts children Christmas party

He said Nigerians were looking forward to the  Christmas with renewed hope. He added that he genuinely believes that things will be better.  

The cleric commended President Tinubu for his efforts to ensure inclusive governance and expressed hope that under him Nigeria would flourish again.

He said the elections were now over and that there could only be one president at a time.

Okoh said the celebrations of Jesus Christ are a reminder of the length that he went to reconcile man to God so that the condemned with be redeemed and restored.

He charged all believers to be champions of reconciliation and not crisis and division, saying “We must love our enemies.”

Okoh noted that “Jesus loved us while we were sinners and reconciled us to God”, adding that “reconciliation is not complete until we reconcile with all our enemies”, urging Nigerians to reach out to their enemies and reconcile with them.”

He said President Tinubu’s approach to reaching out to the opposition is commendable, saying the President and the First Lady’s magnanimity will be rewarded.

Okoh also prayed for Tinubu’s administration to succeed.

“As we celebrate Christmas, let’s not forget the poor and the poorest of the poor, the sick and those wounded spiritually and physically and those who have not eaten. Remember those in capacity and those displaced from their homes, so that they too may rejoice”, he said.

The CAN President led the leadership to present Christmas Card to the first family.

The event ended with the rendition of  “Once In Royal David’s City” by the CAN mass choir.

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Sunday, December 17, said that learning and education are veritable weapons in the fight against terrorism and criminality by individuals and communities.

Also First Lady Tinubu, through her pet-project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), gave N4 million scholarship grants and four brand new laptops to four of the five rescued Federal University Dutsin-Ma students, who visited her at the State House, Abuja.

She said: “I join a cheerful nation to welcome our beloved daughters home as you re-unite with your families. We grieved over the sad fate that had befallen you and we join your family to celebrate your safe return. Since your dreadful abduction on October 5, 2023, it has been a period of pain for you, your parents, your teachers and indeed all Nigerians.

“Throughout this period, we have kept faith and trust in God and in our law enforcement agencies that you will return safely. Since the incident, law enforcement officers from various agencies worked tirelessly to ensure your return home. Today we thank Almighty God for protecting you and reuniting you with your loved ones.”

The First Lady assured the rescued girls of the Federal Government’s commitment and that of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to support them psychologically and with their education as they begin their healing after more than 70 days in captivity.

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According to a statement issued by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady added that it is imperative that their experience does not hinder their educational pursuits and career interest.

She added: “Beyond your safe return, we would follow up on your journey, not only to recover from this sad episode in your lives, but to see that you accomplish your mission in your educational pursuit and career interests. Already, I have been briefed on the courage you have shown so far and I encourage you to turn this episode in your lives into a story of triumph.

“You must continue to pursue your educational interests. By ensuring that you continue to learn, as we provide you with the necessary medical and psychological support, we at the Renewed Hope Initiative, (RHI) are also committed to providing you with guidance and support to reach your full potential.”

Senator Oluremi Tinubu noted that their experience and that of other Nigerians who have been kidnapped is difficult and encouraged them that this phase will pass with the determination and tenacity of the security and intelligence forces and the support of all Nigerians.

Each rescued girl received a scholarship grant of N1 million and a brand-new laptop from the Renewed Hope Initiative, an Initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Also, she announced that the Federal Government was giving a sum of N2 million to the parents of each of the rescued girls and N1 million to the Vice Chancellor of the University.

She expressed gratitude for their safe return and commended the exemplary leadership role of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the effective coordination of law enforcement agencies who worked diligently over the past few months to ensure their safe return and the return of every Nigerian held against their will.

The Representative of the National Security Adviser Brigader General Olutayo Adesuyi while handing over the girls said the First Lady meeting with the rescued girls is significant as it shows the solidarity of the Federal Governments support.

Present at the meeting were parents of the rescued girls, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin Ma Katsina, Representative of the Inspector General of Police and National Counter Terrorism Legal Officer.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged women societies across the country to work for the liberation of their gender from discrimination, violence and limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. 

 A statement yesterday by her spokesperson Busola Kukoyi, said the First Lady spoke during her investiture as the Grand Patron of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) Nigeria at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.

 Senator Tinubu noted that the NCWS had always been at the forefront of advocacy for addressing systemic issues that affect women in Nigeria.

 The First Lady noted that the nation was striving to create a more equitable and empowered society where women would be the beneficiaries and contribute to the nation’s progress and prosperity. 

Read Also; Our transformation efforts on economy succeeding with NASS cooperation – Tinubu

 She said: “The NCWS is not new to me as I happen to have been a state patron from 1999 to 2007 when my husband was the governor of Lagos State. I identify with you in fostering unity, promoting equality and amplifying the voices of women across every sector of our society, including creating a more inclusive and equitable nation, which echoes the ideals that we all aspire to achieve.”

 Senator Tinubu affirmed her unwavering support as the council’s Grand Patron, saying: “As the Grand Patron, I am aware of the challenges being faced by women in our society. Women continue to face discrimination, violence and limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. 

·               “It is our collective responsibility to address these issues and work towards creating a society where every woman can thrive and fulfill her potential,” she said.

·               The National President of the NCWS, Hajia Lami Adamu Lau, extolled the virtues of the First Lady, praising her Renewed Hope Initiative and pledging the support of the council and its established machinery in achieving the objectives of the initiative.

·               The event was attended by the wives of governors, members of the National Assembly, wives of Ministers, President of DEPOWA, and wives of other service chiefs, members of the NCWS, among others.

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