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Tag: First Lady

  • First Lady’s RHI doles out N427.7m to 1,709 fallen heroes families

    First Lady’s RHI doles out N427.7m to 1,709 fallen heroes families

    A total of 1,709 widows and orphans of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces have received financial support of N250,000 each courtesy of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), an initiative of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

    The support, which is a total sum of four hundred and twenty seven million, seven hundred and fifty thousand Naira (427,750,000), is part of the social investment program of the RHI, designed to advance the welfare of vulnerable groups in the country.

    Presenting the relief package to the beneficiaries, drawn from across the country, the First Lady said as wives of gallant soldiers, their path is not an easy one, filled with uncertainties.

    According to a statement issued by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady emphasized that the sacrifices of their breadwinners who have paid the ultimate price in the defence of the country must be rewarded with provision of adequate welfare.

    While expressing hope that the intervention will offer some measure of relief to the beneficiaries, the First Lady called on other stakeholders to spare a thought for dependants of fallen soldiers.

    She said: “Under the Social Investment Program of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, we are here to empower 1,709 widows with the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (N250,000) each. This will enable you to recapitalize an existing business or start a business of your choice to enable you care for your families.

    “We recognize that widows are not victims; they are survivors. You have shown extraordinary courage in the face of adversity, and we are here to offer a helping hand as you chart a new path forward.Some of you have been widows for some time while some of you have just been widowed and we hope that the older widows will give emotional support to the younger ones.”

    In a goodwill message, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa appreciates the First Lady and the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI for the kind and thoughtful gesture, which he says shows that the welfare of widows is a priority for her.

    Read Also: First Lady urges Armed Forces to encourage more women for enlistment

    Represented by Major-General Danladi Salisu, the CDS notes that the financial support has brought renewed hope to the families of fallen heroes, and will consequently boost the morale of serving members of the Armed Forces.

    President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association and wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Oghogho Musa, who received the donation on behalf of beneficiaries applauded the intervention, describing it as a much-needed relief for the beneficiaries.

    Beneficiaries were drawn from the Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association,NAOWA, the Nigerian Navy Officers Wives Association, NOWA, the Nigerian Navy Officers Wives Association, NAFOWA, the Police Officers Wives Association, POWA and the Defence Officers Wives association, DEPOWA.

  • First Lady charges armed forces to encourage more women enlistment

    First Lady charges armed forces to encourage more women enlistment

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has charged the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to encourage women to join the military.

    The First Lady gave the charge in her address read by the wife of the vice president, Hajia Nana Shettima, at the Defence Headquarters’ one-day Gender Mainstreaming Conference with the theme, Building Capacity Through Gender Mainstreaming to Meet Security Challenges.

    According to a statement issued by the spokesperson to the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady, while commending the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for organising the programme, acknowledged that the event was timely.

    She said: “The theme is apt because it is about shaping a safer, better, and more equitable world for all.

    “I commend the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for accepting the gender mainstreaming concept in line with the Global Best Practice and the UN Security Council Resolution 1325.”

    Read Also: Customs rakes in N333b in four months

    The First Lady added that security challenges in the nation have become increasingly complex.

    “Addressing these challenges effectively requests innovative and comprehensive approaches and gender mainstreaming stands as a powerful tool in our arsenal.

    “Gender mainstreaming is now much more than a charity and a policy agenda, this is a fundamental issue about the way we perceive and address security challenges.”

    She further said it is recognised that security encompasses not only military strength but also the protection of human rights, economic stability, social and environmental sustainability.

    The First Lady said it requires a collective effort to address security issues and advance gender mainstreaming.

    She added: “We can start by ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into security policies and strategies, encouraging more women to join and progress within the forces.

    “We must promote women’s participation and leadership in security institutions, peace negotiations, conflict resolution efforts and bringing a more reconciliatory perspective into negotiations.”

    The First Lady, however, added that education and training programmes should include gender sensitivity and awareness amongst security personnel.

    She further said that women should not be discriminated against for getting married or bearing children while in the military.

    She advised that more cooperation is required towards the elimination of gender-based violence within security forces.

    “Through the Renewed Hope Initiative project, we have strengthened women’s empowerment by letting women have access to training and education. Additionally, we have equipped the women with laptops and grants to support their educational and professional pursuits.

    “This is because we believe that when you empower a woman, you empower a community and inevitably a nation. We therefore hope that the leadership within the Armed Forces will extend this dialogue beyond the confinement of this conference and empower women and ranks and their ranks”, she said.

    The Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa and the Minister of Defence Alhaji Mohammed Baduru applauded the First Lady and agreed to look into her recommendations.

    The Maiden edition of the Nigerian Defence Gender magazine which featured the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON as the cover story was launched at the event.

  • Supreme Court verdict: First Lady hails ruling as the ‘Lord’s doing’

    Supreme Court verdict: First Lady hails ruling as the ‘Lord’s doing’

    The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, applauded the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold her husband, Bola Tinubu, as the winner of the 2023 presidential election on Tuesday, October 31, saying, “This is the Lord’s doing.”

    Oluremi declared during the Imo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Campaign Rally for Governor Hope Uzodimma’s re-election quest in Owerri that the court has granted her husband a ‘clean bill.’

    She said: “You can see, the court has already given my husband a clean bill and we believe that this is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.

    Read Also: Atiku slams Supreme Court over election verdict

    “Let me tell you, like my husband promised, that the East will be the industrial hub of Nigeria, and by the grace of God, the development of the South-East starts from Imo. When we came for the campaign, I promised you, I said we will do whatever it takes to make sure Nigeria is one.”

    The Nation reported that the Apex court on October 26, affirmed Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the president, dismissing petitions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) candidates, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi for lack of merit.

  • Women must break barriers to contribute to nation-building, says First Lady

    Women must break barriers to contribute to nation-building, says First Lady

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged women to break barriers and challenge stereotypes to enable them unleash their potential and contribute to national prosperity.

    Senator Tinubu spoke yesterday in Lagos as the guest of honour at the 23rd National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

    The First Lady noted that women are naturally empowered to reshape the nation, urging them to leverage their strength to optimally exhibit the potential inherent in them.

    She said women have the potential they could unleash to transform the society.

    “Our diversity is our strength, and it is within this diversity that we find the wellspring of our potential. As women, we have the power to shape the future, to be leaders, to be innovators, to be caregivers, and be agents of positive change.

    “But to unleash our potential fully, we must continue to break down barriers that limit our progress, challenge stereotypes, and foster an environment of equal opportunity for all.

    Read Also; Cash transfer, best way to fight poverty, says Minister

    “Education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and gender equity are essential pillars that will enable us to unleash our potential. We must work together, collaborate, and support one another to ensure that every woman in Nigeria has the tools and opportunities to reach her full potential.

    “Let us remember that our potential is not just about personal success; it is about uplifting our families, communities, and our great nation. When women are empowered, society thrives.

    “I call upon every one of you to embrace the theme of this conference: Unleash Your Potential, not only for your benefit, but for your individual states and the benefit of our beloved Nation.”

    Host Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu thanked past leaders of COWLSO for keeping the conference going for 23 years, beginning with Senator Tinubu.

    He noted that her vision to create a platform to bring women together to discuss and develop ideas and solutions that place them at the centre of national development was yielding great results.

    He said: “The theme for this year has followed the inspiring pattern of the last two conferences, which have been a clarion call to women.”

    “In 2021, our women were called to ‘Awake’ from their slumber, and in 2022, they were charged to ‘Spring Forth and Stand Out’, to make themselves ready to take their rightful place in national development.

    “This year, you are being called to ‘Unleash Your Potentials’, to be more productive and positively influence the society. This theme is very apt in view of the current challenges that Nigeria is facing, and the need for us to be more intentional and determined in our efforts to harness the innate ability and capacity of women to drive the Renewed Hope agenda at the national level, and similar initiatives being implemented at the sub-national levels,” Sanwo-Olu said.

  • First Lady advocates education as solution to girl-child discrimination

    First Lady advocates education as solution to girl-child discrimination

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, October 11, said education is the weapon needed to give the girl child in Nigeria her freedom from discrimination and intimidation.

    First Lady Tinubu spoke at the National Girls Interactive Session with Policy and Decision Makers to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.

    According to a statement issued by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady also said that investing in the girl child is in the best interest of the nation.

    She noted that the girl child must be protected from all forms of violence with a safe and inclusive environment provided for them to thrive.

    She noted: “Our girls are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. It’s high time we break down barriers that have held them back for long. Education is the key weapon that we must use to ensure that every girl is free from discrimination and intimidation.

    Read Also: It’s new dawn for  women under Tinubu, says First Lady

    “This is one of the reasons I have taken it as a priority to encourage the girl child so she can achieve her potential. Under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), we are looking at promoting alternative high schools for girls so that despite whatever misadventure they find themselves, they can still acquire an education that could give them access to higher education. I urge all well-meaning Nigerians to help show the girl child that there is a good way.”

    She also advised the girls and boys present to join voluntary clubs such as Boys Scouts, Girls Guide, and Red Cross among others.

    In her remarks at the event, the Minister for Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye noted that the federal government is now more committed to ensuring that harmful and discriminatory practices against the girl child are totally eliminated.

    She added that it is no more business as usual for those who sexually assault girls as the government will prosecute such offenders pointing out that the case of the 8-year-old girl allegedly abused by her stepfather has been taken up by her Ministry for his prosecution.

    There was an interactive session with the girls which was an opportunity for the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to share some of the government’s vision, the mission of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI and also her dreams for the future of the Nigerian girl.

    The 2023 International Day of the Girl Child has the theme “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership & Our Well-being”.  

  • Uzodimma, ex-Lagos First Lady, others for Catholic Brothers United annual lecture

    Uzodimma, ex-Lagos First Lady, others for Catholic Brothers United annual lecture

    The Catholic Brothers United of St Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos, will hold its Annual Lecture series on Sunday, 22nd October 2023.

    Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, ex-Lagos First Lady, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, among other dignitaries are billed to attend the event. ,

    The topic of the lecture is, ‘Entrepreneurship drive: Tool for mitigating unemployment for National growth.’

    According to a statement by the Chairman Organising Committee, Catholic Brothers United of St Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos,

     Mr. Gabriel Akhumegie, the choice of the topic was hinged on the fact that, for a country to grow and develop employment plays a key role.

    “It is believed that one of the ways to boost employment is to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of the citizens, so the government and other relevant agencies should embark on strategic plans to make entrepreneurship an engine of employment generation, ” the statement said.

    Read Also: Two men jailed 40 years for kidnapping Ozekhome, ex-Delta Commissioner

    Senator Hope Uzodinma has been appointed as the Chief Guest of Honour while the former Managing Director of Eco Bank Plc, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan, is expected to share the occasion.

    Patroness of Catholic Brothers United (CBU), Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, is the Mother of the day.

    Also expected to be in attendance is Senator Emmanuel Azu Agboti, the Father of the day.

    Three seasoned and experienced technocrats will be discussing the annual lecture topic with the Director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, who is also the moderator,  Rev Fr George Ehusani, they are: Mr. Nelson Akerele, CEO/MD, Royal Exchange Prudential Life Assurance PLC ; Dr Mrs Omotayo Omotosho, ,  Chief Executive, Pacesetters Communications & former DG, Nigerian Tourism Development Commission ( NTDC) ; Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, Partner, Apis Partner LLP & former Chairman, Renmoney MFB LTD .

    This year’s lecture, which is the 20th in the series, will be used to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the association. The occasion will also witness the presentation of excellence awards to deserving past leaders of the association.

  • First Lady arrives Ecumenical center for 63rd Independence service 

    First Lady arrives Ecumenical center for 63rd Independence service 

    Wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived the Ecumenical Center for the 63rd Independence service. 

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived the venue at about 2:40pm amongst other dignitaries.

    Read Also: Idimogu felicitates First Lady Tinubu at 63

    The service is billed to officially hold by 3:00pm.

    Details shortly…

  • “You are a pillar to president”: Daduut hails First Lady at 63

    “You are a pillar to president”: Daduut hails First Lady at 63

    A former senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nora Ladi Daduut on Thursday, September 21, congratulated the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu on the occasion of her 63rd birthday.

    In a statement, Daduut described the First Lady as a courageous, kindhearted, and amiable personality.

    Daduut, who represented Plateau South in the 9th National Assembly, described the wife of the president as a great asset to Nigeria, noting that she has contributed immeasurably towards nation-building.

    She said: “The First Lady who is the Mother of Nation is a strong supporter, reliable partner, and pillar of support to her husband, our President his Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

     “On behalf of my family and supporters, I felicitate with Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her 63rd birthday anniversary. We praise and thank God for adding another year to you.

    Read Also: Abbas, Deputy Speaker, others eulogise First Lady at 63

    “May God continue to bless you and grant you long life, good health with more strength, love, and wisdom. May you be shielded with His favours as you continue with your good service to humanity. God bless you and your family.

    “Our First Lady Senator Tinubu is a source of inspiration and role model to the womenfolk, many of whom have continually benefitted from her benevolence. She has contributed immensely to humanity, governance, and the ruling party’s success, growth, and development with her laudable programmes and achievements as First Lady of Lagos state, Senator, and now First Lady of the federation.”

  • State House management, staff celebrate First Lady Tinubu at 63

    State House management, staff celebrate First Lady Tinubu at 63

    The State House Management and Staff celebrated First Lady Oluremi Tinubu‘s 63rd birthday, praising her accomplishments in different areas of life and showering her with compliments.

    In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the State House Establishment lauded the First Lady for her humanitarian services to millions of needy Nigerian families through her social service outreach.

    Praising her many unique qualities, Establishment described First Lady Tinubu as a “consummate leader, teacher, humanitarian, and a fervent minister of the gospel”.

    The statement further said: “The State House Management and Staff joyfully celebrate Senator Oluremi Tinubu, not only as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but also as a compassionate and responsive mother to both her children and the entire nation, as she marks her 63rd birthday on September 21, 2023.

    Read Also: Oluremi, my wife, friend, partner, says Tinubu

    “Senator Tinubu’s remarkable qualities extend beyond her role as the Chief Supporter and Confidant of Nigeria’s number one citizen. 

    “Through her landmark project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), she has brought hope and resolve back into the lives of thousands of displaced and disadvantaged Nigerians, providing shelter for the homeless and tirelessly working to improve access to education and healthcare for underprivileged citizens nationwide. 

    “Her deeply affecting interventions continue to favour all Nigerians, with no special regard for any particular faith, region, or political persuasion.

    “Her profound sacrifices during her days in pro-democracy activism serve as an enduring example of her unwavering dedication to just causes, even in the face of trials and perilous uncertainties. 

    “The First Lady’s character is defined by her patriotism, dignity, grace, and down-to-earth public spiritedness. 

    “As the first ever woman to serve three terms in the Nigerian Senate, she holds a unique position in history to ensure that public administration across the government is infused with compassion and empathy for the plight of the people. 

    “Today, we express our deep gratitude for her unwavering commitment to our country and the welfare of hundreds of millions of Nigerians, both at home and abroad. 

    “It is our prayer on this special day that God Almighty would continue to grant the First Lady more grace and wisdom, strengthening her to trust in His unfailing goodness throughout all the days of her life.

    “As her days, so shall her strength and favour with God and man be.bWe say, ‘happy Birthday and Congratulations, Ma.”

  • First Lady arrives New York for #UNGA78

    First Lady arrives New York for #UNGA78

    •  Alao Abiodun, New York 

    The First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu (CON) has arrived New York ahead of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). 

    She was received on arrival by the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande 

    Oluremi will be speaking at the Nigeria Economic Trade Summit, Africa First Ladies Peace Mission side meeting on Gender Actions for Peace, DUSUSU Foundation among other high level meetings.

    On her way to New York, The Nation learnt the First Lady made a brief stopover at the Madeira International Airport in Portugal where she met with the Nigerian Ambassador to Portugal, Alex Kefas.

    Read Also: Six Govs, seven Ministers attend UNGA with Tinubu

    On September 19, the first day of the High-Level General Debate of the 78th UNGA Session, President Tinubu will deliver his inaugural National Statement.

    Before engaging in the General Debate, the President will join other world leaders to participate in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (UN 2023 Summit on SDGs).

    The theme of the UNGA is: “Rebuilding trust and Reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.”