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Tag: First Lady

  • First Lady splashes N1.9bn on persons with disabilities

    First Lady splashes N1.9bn on persons with disabilities

    …empowers 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday marked the 2025 World Disability Day with a massive economic empowerment programme, disbursing ₦200,000 each to 9,500 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) nationwide — amounting to ₦1.9 billion in direct business support.

    She formally launched the disbursement at Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, with 250 physically challenged military and police veterans, describing the initiative as a reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to inclusion and shared prosperity.

    Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the programme holds special significance as it coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and is being implemented simultaneously across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

    According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said “our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully.”

    Quoting American disability rights advocate Helen Keller, Senator Tinubu added “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” 

    She said the words serve as a reminder that “a truly inclusive society is built when we stand together, creating opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts to our collective progress.”

    Senator Tinubu said fostering a disability-inclusive society remained a deliberate pathway to advancing social progress, noting that this year’s intervention aligns fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “This programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked,” she said.

    The First Lady highlighted the scale of support provided since the creation of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in 2023, disclosing that its business recapitalisation scheme had strengthened over 100,000 businesses, including those owned by persons with disabilities.

    “It is worth noting that, over the past two years, the Renewed Hope Initiative has supported over one hundred thousand (100,000) women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, with direct financial grants to grow their businesses,” she said.

    She added that RHI interventions span agriculture, education, health and social welfare, all aimed at improving the well-being of families across the country.

    Looking ahead, Senator Tinubu announced that the RHI Governing Board has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs an annual event.

    “In recognition of our shared responsibility to promote inclusion, the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities an annual event, to be held on December 3rd, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” she stated.

    She urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, saying “to all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity. Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family.”

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, who was represented, described the intervention as “a clear demonstration of compassion in action,” noting that it aligns with RHI’s ongoing social investment initiatives, including medical and food outreach programmes.

    The ceremony, attended by military families, disability groups and senior government officials, underscored the First Lady’s drive to make economic inclusion a national priority and ensure that no citizen is left behind in Nigeria’s development journey.

  • Nigeria’s First Lady gives N50m grant to Rivers PWDS, disabled veterans

    Nigeria’s First Lady gives N50m grant to Rivers PWDS, disabled veterans

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has doled out N50 million business grants to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and disabled veterans in Rivers State under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme.

    The cash donation ceremony, which was held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Port Harcourt, coincided with the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with a theme, “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

    The wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, presented the small business grants to the beneficiaries.

    The RHI empowerment covers all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Associations (DEPOWA), with each jurisdiction designated 250 PWDs to receive a N200,000 business recapitalisation grant per beneficiary, amounting to N50 million.

    It was gathered that the programme would disburse N1.9bn to 9,500 PWDs across the country.

    Senator Tinubu noted that the launch was intentionally scheduled for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, expressing delight that it was unveiled under the RHI Social Investment Framework.

    She emphasised the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, adding that the nation “will become stronger when all citizens are empowered to contribute their quota”.

    She said, “Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in

    Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare, aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country. To all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity.”

    The First Lady said that the programme aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of promoting inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian was left behind, especially those whose needs were often overlooked.

    She announced that the RHI Governing Board approved making the Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs an annual event.

    She thanked the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, for their support, and encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.

    In her speech, the Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, assured that the Renewed Hope Initiative in the state would collaborate with the National Commission on Persons with Disabilities to promote an inclusive society where the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities were guaranteed.

    She said that the celebration of the 2025 World Disability Day reaffirmed the government’s commitment to create a more just, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable State, where no one is left behind.

    Lady Fubara also delivered a strong message of empowerment to the beneficiaries, saying,  “You are not defined by limitations. You are defined by your strength, your creativity, your persistence, your brilliance, and your unique contribution to this state.”

    Lady Fubara confirmed that 250 beneficiaries in Rivers State received the N200,000 grant and encouraged all the beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely.

     “Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family”, she said.

  • First Lady gives financial support to 250 PWD in Oyo

    First Lady gives financial support to 250 PWD in Oyo

    Wife of Nigeria’s President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday gave financial empowerment to 250 Persons With Disabilities (PWD) across Oyo state.

    The empowerment was part of the nationwide Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme held to commemorate this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

    250 beneficiaries in the state received ₦200,000 business recapitalisation grants, while the state also received ₦50 million support fund for broader distribution within its disability community.

    The programme was implemented simultaneously across the 36 states, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

    Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented in Ibadan by the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunomini Makinde, said the programme reflected the federal government’s determination towards building an economy that leaves no Nigerian behind.

    She said, “Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully. Today, the Renewed Hope Initiative will provide ₦200,000 each to 250 persons with disabilities in every state, the FCT, and DEPOWA. Each state will also receive ₦50 million to support beneficiaries within its domain.”

    She announced that a total of 9,500 persons with disabilities nationwide will receive support amounting to ₦1.9 billion, describing it as one of the largest empowerment interventions targeted at Nigerians with disabilities.

    “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. A truly inclusive society is built when we stand together and create opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts.”

    She emphasized that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth, social protection, and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable Nigerians.

    She also highlighted past RHI interventions, noting that over 100,000 petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, have benefitted from direct cash grants in the last two years.

    “Our Social Investment Programmes have supported victims of floods, communal clashes, disasters, the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes.

    “Through our Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, food items have been delivered to 22 states and the FCT. We remain committed to doing even more.”

    She also said that the RHI Governing Board has approved that the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities will now hold annually on December 3.

    She, however, thanked Governor Seyi Makinde and Oyo State First Lady, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, for their support for disability inclusion.

    In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi reiterated the state government’s commitment to inclusive governance.

    He said, “Today reminds us that disability is not inability. Every individual, regardless of physical or cognitive differences, possesses immense value.”

    He noted that Oyo State maintains a deliberate quota across education, health, employment, infrastructure, and social welfare to ensure persons with disabilities are not marginalized.

    “The Agency for Persons with Disabilities remains a hub for policy implementation, empowerment, and advocacy. Our goal is a state where every person can thrive without barriers.”

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Lawal Lateef Kayode thanked the First Lady and the government for the empowerment opportunity.

    She pledged that beneficiaries would use the funds responsibly to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

  • First Lady calls for stronger support systems for persons with disabilities

    First Lady calls for stronger support systems for persons with disabilities

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday said Nigeria must deepen its commitment to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in national life.

    The First Lady made the point in her message marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

    She said a truly inclusive society is one that ensures every citizen, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and be meaningfully integrated into social and economic life. 

    She stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends on guaranteeing equal access, protection, and empowerment for all.

    “A truly inclusive Nigeria must ensure that persons with disabilities are supported and empowered to be independent,” Senator Tinubu declared, urging governments at all levels, institutions, and communities to strengthen policies and systems that promote accessibility, social inclusion, and dignity.

    The annual observance, held under the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”, serves, she noted, as a reminder of the nation’s collective responsibility to uphold inclusion and expand opportunities for persons with disabilities.

    The First Lady said the 2025 theme calls for a renewed national commitment to accessibility, empowerment, and the removal of barriers that limit the full participation of people with disabilities. 

    She emphasised that inclusion is not an act of charity but a critical pillar of sustainable development, social justice, and national cohesion.

    “This day serves as a reminder of our collective duty to build a society where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive, participate, and contribute meaningfully to our shared progress,” she said.

    Senator Tinubu extended her solidarity to millions of Nigerians living with disabilities, reaffirming the administration’s support for inclusion initiatives and ongoing advocacy to advance their rights and welfare.

  • First Lady rallies Nigerians behind Tinubu’s drive for an HIV-free Nigeria by 2030

    First Lady rallies Nigerians behind Tinubu’s drive for an HIV-free Nigeria by 2030

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has appealed to citizens across all walks of life to rally behind the Tinubu administration’s renewed commitment to ending HIV/AIDS in the country by 2030, saying national unity and collective responsibility are essential to achieving the target.

    Speaking at the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, the First Lady said the day offered “an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment,” stressing that Nigeria must not lose momentum after years of notable progress in prevention, treatment, and care.

    Despite gains recorded in partnership with global donors, she warned that stigma and discrimination remain strong barriers, urging Nigerians to “confront the judgment and exclusion that still surrounds HIV/AIDS,” and ensure every affected person is treated with dignity.

    Senator Tinubu highlighted recent strides under the national HIV response, including prioritising the elimination of vertical transmission, expanding paediatric treatment, and strengthening long-term sustainability. 

    She noted that with robust support from the Global Fund, the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP) had made “significant progress,” especially in protecting mothers and children.

    She also spotlighted the Free to Shine Campaign, launched nationwide this year through the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), which promotes the triple elimination of HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis by 2030. 

    According to her, the initiative reinforces Africa’s political will to safeguard women and children through early testing, timely treatment, and stigma reduction.

    “We are moving steadily towards the global target of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B by 2030,” she said, noting that integration of health services and efficient resource use have boosted results.

    However, she cautioned that Nigeria’s HIV response remains heavily donor-dependent, making sustainability a crucial concern as international funding patterns shift. 

    She welcomed the Federal Government’s proactive approval of $200 million to support HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria programmes, and disclosed that NACA had begun deeper engagements with state governments to ensure “long-term ownership and continuity” of interventions.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu nominates ex-Oyo First Lady Florence Ajimobi as ambassador

    Calling for national solidarity, the First Lady urged: “As we move forward, I call on all Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his commitment to achieving an HIV-free Nigeria by 2030.”

    She commended the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori; NASCP; development partners; civil society groups; and traditional and religious leaders for sustaining Nigeria’s HIV response.

    Senator Tinubu also appealed directly to families, teachers, and young people, stressing the need for open conversations and responsible health behaviour.

    “HIV/AIDS is no longer a disease of shame. To our young people, take responsibility for your health—get tested and know your status. To our communities, let us foster a culture of love, acceptance, and support”, she said.

    Reaffirming her optimism, the First Lady said Nigeria must continue to show empathy, compassion, and resilience as it works towards “ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.”

  • Drive innovation, support national development, First Lady tells Nigerians in Diaspora

    Drive innovation, support national development, First Lady tells Nigerians in Diaspora

    First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to intensify their contributions to national development by leveraging innovation, collaboration, and mentorship to support young people back home.

    Speaking during an interactive session with Nigerians in Qatar on the sidelines of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) in Doha, the First Lady said the country is steadily reclaiming its place and dignity in the global community through the efforts of the current administration. 

    In a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady urged citizens abroad to complement these efforts by working with relevant agencies to accelerate growth in key sectors.

    “The best you can give children is the ability to dream on their own. Education gives that ability,” she said, noting that Nigerians in Qatar, many of whom were showcasing start-ups and innovative solutions at the global education summit, are already making the nation proud.

    The First Lady appealed to them to deepen their engagement with young Nigerians and serve as “agents of change” committed to reshaping mindsets and inspiring a new generation of innovators.

    “The Nigeria that gave us this opportunity to be what we are today—our youth also deserve it. We need to hold on to the optimism that our dear nation will be great again. See all the wonderful things you are doing. I thank you all for making Nigeria proud,” she said.

    She encouraged them to offer mentorship to students and youths in Nigeria, emphasising the need for a “mindset change” focused on seeing the bigger picture of national progress.

    To strengthen collaboration, Senator Tinubu referred some of the innovators present to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who attended the meeting, for possible partnerships with government institutions. 

    She said greater achievements would be recorded when Nigerian start-ups at home and abroad work more closely with ministries and agencies.

    Earlier, the First Lady also received members of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities of Nigeria, who were in Doha for the Education Beyond Borders Conference.

  • First Lady donates sanitary pads to 10,000 school girls in Oyo

    First Lady donates sanitary pads to 10,000 school girls in Oyo

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative, on Monday donated 10,000 sanitary pads to school girls in Oyo State.

    She said the donations were designed to empower schoolgirls by promoting knowledge, dignity, and confidence in them.

    Speaking in Ibadan while handing over the pads to beneficiaries across the 33 local governments of the state, Mrs Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Tamunomini Makinde, maintained that no girl should have to miss school because of the inability to afford sanitary products in today’s modern world.

    She said, “It is unacceptable that our girls continue to face significant challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural communities who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads.

    “Some of our girls are using unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, while others stay at home, falling behind in their studies, and in some cases even dropping out of school. This trend must end, and this intervention under the education framework of the Renewed Hope Initiative is aimed at doing so.

    “We will be distributing disposable sanitary pads to 370,000 school girls in communities across the nation at the end of this program.

    “All states and the federal capital territories will be receiving 10,000 pads each through the state’s First Lady and the Renewed Hope Initiative coordinator. This is to support our girls and those who are unable to afford sanitary pads.

    “Today, I will be handing over 10,000 sanitary pads. As you can see, all the girls seated in this auditorium already have them, and this is the one plus some others that we cannot bring all here. We’ll be going to all 33 local government areas for distribution.

    “So today, I will be handing over 10,000 pads of disposable sanitary pads for distribution. To 10,000 deserving girls across all your states. We choose disposable sanitary pads because they’re affordable.

    “It is because it offers a simple, hygienic option that offers better health benefits for women’s reproductive well-being. For us at the Renewed Hope Initiative, we believe that no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education. The success of Flow with Confidence programs depends on all of us.

    “I want to especially appeal to the executive chairmen of local government areas, given your critical position as the arm of government closest to the people and your role in delivering essential services.

    “It is crucial that you take ownership of this intervention. Scale it up and ensure these supplies get directly to the deserving girls in our rural communities.

    “The pads are not to be sold under any circumstances. Now, the Renewed Hope Initiative spent a total of 2,550,297,150 Naira to procure these customized disposable sanitary pads from a local manufacturing company.

    “Corporate organizations, our starters and agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians, to key into the Flow with Confidence program so that we can empower and reach as many girls as possible.

    Read Also: Nigeria won’t disintegrate, First Lady assures citizens

    “To our traditional religious and community leaders, we cannot do this without your support. I urge you to monitor the distribution exercise in your communities and ensure to support our girls to grow into responsible and informed adults. To our dear students and beneficiaries, this is for you.

    “All this is for you. Make the most of it and do not sell the pads. Stay in school, study hard, support one another, and never allow shame or stigma to take away your confidence.

    “Use this opportunity to pursue your dreams boldly because you are the future of this nation. And I believe in you. I charge you all to commit to the dignity, well-being, and the future of every Nigerian girl.

    “Today, let us keep this promise that our girls will always have the support they need to live, learn, thrive, and flow with confidence. At this juncture, to the glory of God and the benefits of our school’s wealth.”

    Dignitaries at the event include the Head of Service in the state, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, Commissioner for Education, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, and Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Joke Sanni, among others.

  • First Lady seeks renewed commitment to protecting, empowering children

    First Lady seeks renewed commitment to protecting, empowering children

    First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has urged all Nigerians to reaffirm collective responsibility to safeguard, nurture, and empower every child in the country, stressing that children must be given the support and freedom they need to realise their full potential.

    In a message to commemorate World Children’s Day 2025, marked globally on November 20, Senator Tinubu said the theme of this year’s celebration; “Listen to Children: My Day, My Rights”, underscores the need for society to provide young people with meaningful platforms to express their thoughts, experiences, and aspirations.

    She noted that the UNICEF-developed theme is a powerful reminder that respecting children’s rights and protecting them are fundamental to building a just and compassionate nation.

    “Our children are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are active participants in shaping our world today. When we listen to their voices, we gain insight into how best to create a safer, more inclusive, and nurturing society”, the First Lady said.

    Read Also: Corps Marshal decorates First Lady as Grand Matron of FRSC Special Marshals

    Tinubu emphasised that children must be viewed as contributors whose perspectives matter, not merely as dependents to be cared for. 

    She maintained that listening to children helps adults understand their needs and experiences, and strengthens efforts to build a society in which every child can thrive.

    Calling for a renewed sense of national duty, the First Lady appealed to government institutions, families, communities, and organisations to strengthen their commitment to child welfare and protection.

    “Let us reaffirm our collective duty to protect and empower every Nigerian child, ensuring that they grow up with hope, confidence, and the freedom to reach their full potential,” she said.

  • Corps Marshal decorates First Lady as Grand Matron of FRSC Special Marshals

    Corps Marshal decorates First Lady as Grand Matron of FRSC Special Marshals

    The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, was on Tuesday decorated as the Grand Matron of the Road Safety Special Marshals.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the title of Grand Matron of the Road Safety Special Marshal, is an honorary position conferred upon highly placed, influential women who have shown notable and outstanding contributions to road safety advocacy and initiatives.

    The decoration ceremony took place in Abuja, where she received the management of the FRSC led by Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed.

    The first lady expressed her gratitude for the recognition and urged the adoption of more technology and improved inter-agency collaboration to reduce the number of road crashes in Nigeria.

    She also called for better enforcement of speed limits and the deployment of more FRSC personnel during festive periods to ensure safer roads. 

    The first lady also acknowledged that many roads across the country still required significant improvement, even though rehabilitation and construction efforts were ongoing.

    She encouraged the FRSC to expand public sensitisation and invest more in enforcing speed regulations effectively.

    She further underscored the need to provide adequate care for victims and children affected by road crashes, calling for stronger collaboration between the FRSC, relevant ministries, and government agencies.

    She said with coordinated action, that both the government and the Corps will be better positioned to safeguard the lives of Nigerians.

    “I believe we should do more with speed limits, are people complying because we don’t want to see accidents on our road.

    “Speed limit is very crucial and people are supposed to adhere to it, even in other developed countries, speed limits are adhered to.

    “We also need more officers on the road, in other countries, we see a lot of teams working together, we don’t want to see lives lost especially during the Yuletide season, you will need more personels on the road to caution people.

    Earlier, Mohammed, said the honour was bestowed on the first lady in recognition of her commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and her support for road safety advocacy.

    The corps marshal also stressed the importance of accident reduction and prompt emergency response, in the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    According to Mohammed, all efforts of the corps, towards safety sensitisation, are measured by success in preventing road traffic crashes and providing effective post-crash care.

    “As the mother of the nation, we felt, making her the ground matron of FRSC means she is the one to canvass, to lead and championing the campaign for road safety so that our lives can be safe and accidents will reduce drastically.

    ”We are finalising the crash victims day today and coming to the First Lady for her blessing and to also decorate her shows there is a commitment and action on reducing road crashes in Nigeria.

    “Going by that role, Nigerians will show that there is a political will and commitment from the leadership of the country to support FRSC not only in Nigeria but globally.

    “Over three decades we have been sensitising and doing public education on the citizens on ways to abide by road traffic rules and regulations, however, we require discipline, honour, trust and respect for humanity to be able to achieve it.

    “Once citizens will abide by those ones, we are sure that road crashes will reduce drastically and we will achieve our target of reducing auto accidents by 50 per cent by year 2030.

    Mohammed also highlighted the alarming rate of road-related trauma in Nigeria, noting that the country records more than 6,000 deaths annually.

    These losses according to him, leave deep mental and social impacts, particularly on students, women, and families who lose loved ones.

    The corps marshal emphasised the need for stronger partnerships to reduce road crashes and called for increased national support.

    He urged the first lady to join the corps in its safety sensitisation campaigns.

    He further expressed confidence that the involvement of the Mrs Tinubu, would strengthen advocacy efforts and amplify public awareness to reduce accident on the roads.

    NAN reports that the FRSC on Saturday launched Road Traffic Crash Victims Day which brought together over 100 scholars and experts from various countries.(NAN

    The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, was on Tuesday decorated as the Grand Matron of the Road Safety Special Marshals.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the title of Grand Matron of the Road Safety Special Marshal, is an honorary position conferred upon highly placed, influential women who have shown notable and outstanding contributions to road safety advocacy and initiatives.

    The decoration ceremony took place in Abuja, where she received the management of the FRSC led by Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed.

    The first lady expressed her gratitude for the recognition and urged the adoption of more technology and improved inter-agency collaboration to reduce the number of road crashes in Nigeria.

    She also called for better enforcement of speed limits and the deployment of more FRSC personnel during festive periods to ensure safer roads. 

    The first lady also acknowledged that many roads across the country still required significant improvement, even though rehabilitation and construction efforts were ongoing.

    She encouraged the FRSC to expand public sensitisation and invest more in enforcing speed regulations effectively.

    She further underscored the need to provide adequate care for victims and children affected by road crashes, calling for stronger collaboration between the FRSC, relevant ministries, and government agencies.

    She said with coordinated action, that both the government and the Corps will be better positioned to safeguard the lives of Nigerians.

    “I believe we should do more with speed limits, are people complying because we don’t want to see accidents on our road.

    “Speed limit is very crucial and people are supposed to adhere to it, even in other developed countries, speed limits are adhered to.

    “We also need more officers on the road, in other countries, we see a lot of teams working together, we don’t want to see lives lost especially during the Yuletide season, you will need more personels on the road to caution people.

    Earlier, Mohammed, said the honour was bestowed on the first lady in recognition of her commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and her support for road safety advocacy.

    The corps marshal also stressed the importance of accident reduction and prompt emergency response, in the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    According to Mohammed, all efforts of the corps, towards safety sensitisation, are measured by success in preventing road traffic crashes and providing effective post-crash care.

    “As the mother of the nation, we felt, making her the ground matron of FRSC means she is the one to canvass, to lead and championing the campaign for road safety so that our lives can be safe and accidents will reduce drastically.

    ”We are finalising the crash victims day today and coming to the First Lady for her blessing and to also decorate her shows there is a commitment and action on reducing road crashes in Nigeria.

    “Going by that role, Nigerians will show that there is a political will and commitment from the leadership of the country to support FRSC not only in Nigeria but globally.

    “Over three decades we have been sensitising and doing public education on the citizens on ways to abide by road traffic rules and regulations, however, we require discipline, honour, trust and respect for humanity to be able to achieve it.

    Read Also: First Lady condemns abduction of Kebbi schoolgirls

    “Once citizens will abide by those ones, we are sure that road crashes will reduce drastically and we will achieve our target of reducing auto accidents by 50 per cent by year 2030.

    Mohammed also highlighted the alarming rate of road-related trauma in Nigeria, noting that the country records more than 6,000 deaths annually.

    These losses according to him, leave deep mental and social impacts, particularly on students, women, and families who lose loved ones.

    The corps marshal emphasised the need for stronger partnerships to reduce road crashes and called for increased national support.

    He urged the first lady to join the corps in its safety sensitisation campaigns.

    He further expressed confidence that the involvement of the Mrs Tinubu, would strengthen advocacy efforts and amplify public awareness to reduce accident on the roads.

    NAN reports that the FRSC on Saturday launched Road Traffic Crash Victims Day which brought together over 100 scholars and experts from various countries.

    (NAN)

  • World Day Against Child Sexual Abuse: First Lady urges collective action to protect Nigerian children

    World Day Against Child Sexual Abuse: First Lady urges collective action to protect Nigerian children

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on government institutions, civil society groups, religious and traditional leaders, parents, and young people to work together to create a safer and more protective environment for children across the country.

    In a message to mark the 2025 World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, commemorated on November 18, the First Lady warned that child protection cannot be achieved through rhetoric alone but requires coordinated, evidence-based actions driven by accurate data and sound policymaking.

    She highlighted this year’s theme, “Strengthening the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse Through Evidence-Based Policy Making,” noting that Nigeria must intensify efforts to ensure that every child grows up free from fear and harm.

    “We are reminded that protecting children must go beyond words and good intentions. It demands informed action, guided by accurate data, research, and sound policies,” Senator Tinubu said.

    She urged all stakeholders to recognise their shared responsibility in preventing abuse, supporting survivors, and ensuring accountability at all levels.

    “As a nation, we must ensure that every child grows up free from fear and harm,” she said, adding, “I call on government agencies, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, parents, and young people to work together to create a protective environment where children can feel safe to thrive.”