Tag: First Lady

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has reiterated her aversion to provocation and the aggression of war, stressing the urgent need for greater understanding among nations of the world.

Mrs. Tinubu made the remarks on Wednesday when she received the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Ali bin Ghanem Al-Hajri, at her office in the Statement House, Abuja.

Reacting to the recent attack in Doha, the Qatari capital, the First Lady described peace as a divine principle shared across major religions and central to humanity’s survival.

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“I pray for a world filled with peace, standing firm against the provocations of war,” she said, adding that only through mutual respect and dialogue could nations avert crises and promote stability.

The meeting, held mainly behind closed doors, explored fresh areas of collaboration between the Renewed Hope Initiative—her flagship humanitarian platform—and the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.

The discussions focused particularly on improving the Almajiri system of education and tackling the challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Ambassador Al-Hajri expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the Nigerian people for their solidarity during Qatar’s difficult moment, while affirming that Nigeria remains “dear to the State of Qatar.”

He underscored Qatar’s commitment to deepening ties with Nigeria in both humanitarian and developmental spheres.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged women in leadership positions to redouble their efforts in supporting and uplifting fellow women through economic empowerment and mentorship.

She made the charge on Friday when the Forum of Female Chief Executive Officers of Government Agencies and Organizations paid her a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja.

Declaring her deep-rooted commitment to the nation, the First Lady said “Nigeria belongs to all of us. I am arrogantly Nigerian. I love this country.” 

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady described the CEOs as trailblazers, insisting that their success must translate into opportunities for younger women.

“Birth yourselves in others. Look for them to mentor them. Replicate yourself in other women and that is the way we would be strong. Make yourselves unforgettable by the things you do outside your office”, she said.

She reminded the forum of legendary women activists such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, Gambo Sawaba, and Abibat Mogaji, who she said shaped history by uniting and speaking boldly for women. 

Read Also: First Lady expands empowerment initiatives

“We have to come together, better and stronger than them. We have to ensure that we make life easier for women. Mentor young women, give scholarships, take one person through life. Don’t look for the volume,” she added.

The First Lady also stressed her commitment to seeing the National Library project completed, noting that it would provide invaluable support to indigent students in their academic pursuits.

In her remarks, the leader of the forum and Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, praised Mrs Tinubu’s dedication to women’s empowerment and pledged the forum’s support for her initiatives.

“As a group, Your Excellency, we do not take our mandates lightly and are sincerely grateful to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deeming us fit and proper to hold our respective offices. That is why we are here to pledge our support to the administration and to you as the First Lady of the Nation,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

She assured that the female CEOs would work collaboratively with the Office of the First Lady to foster unity, drive progress, and advance national development. 

“We pledge our solidarity and support for the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr President, and we will assiduously work for his success in the 2027 election,” she affirmed.

Twenty-four female CEOs of federal agencies and organisations participated in the visit.

…insists initiative is about lives, not politics

…as Alausa hails RHI as complement to government’s education drive

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday disbursed ₦47 million and laptops to 47 beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) scholarship scheme, underscoring her commitment to supporting education and empowering young Nigerians across diverse fields of study.

Each of the recipients, drawn from tertiary institutions nationwide, received ₦1 million and a laptop to aid their academic pursuits. 

The students cut across various academic levels — five in 400 level, 39 in 300 level, two in 200 level, and one in ND II — and are enrolled in disciplines ranging from medicine, law, and engineering to education, sciences, and the humanities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that the initiative was rooted in service to humanity, not politics. 

“This is a scheme that we have to continue; this is not about politics, it is about people’s lives. Just like in the past when I gave out scholarships, I want to ask you, what do you also add to the table? You can grow and also look for extra things you can do that will not hinder your studies,” she said.

She urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity and hinted at plans to sustain the programme. 

“We have given you two years of grace, and some of you have two more years to complete your studies. We pray that the President will have a second term so that we continue,” she added.

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Also speaking, Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, lauded the RHI for complementing government efforts, noting that the Tinubu administration had expanded bursaries and scholarships nationwide. 

“In the last two years, the President gave out 12,434 bursary awards amounting to about ₦10 billion to students in key sectors, including medicine and education. We have also awarded ₦4 billion worth of scholarships to 8,535 students,” he said.

Alausa highlighted the administration’s focus on STEM disciplines, pointing out that 55 percent of the new RHI beneficiaries were in fields such as medicine, nursing, engineering, and food science. 

He further drew attention to the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, which has already benefited over 500,000 students with about ₦100 billion disbursed. 

“You don’t pay back until after you graduate, finish NYSC, and secure a job — and even then, only a maximum of 10% of your salary,” he explained.

Chioma Uzodinmma, wife of the Imo State Governor and National Secretary of RHI, congratulated the recipients for meeting the eligibility requirement of a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

She said the 2025 awardees followed earlier batches in 2023 and 2024, adding, “today’s 47 beneficiaries each receive ₦1 million annually plus a brand-new laptop. We wish you success in your academic session.”

Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, described the scholarship as “a life-changing package provided by the First Lady,” emphasizing its importance in nurturing talent and bridging educational gaps nationwide.

Also at the event was the wife of the Vice President and the National Vice Chairman of RHI, Hajia Nana Shettima; the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila; the wife of the Kwara State Governor, who is also the chairperson of the governors’ wives forum; and other dignitaries.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to dedicate prayers for peace, prosperity, and progress of the country as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Maulud.

In a goodwill message on Friday, Mrs. Tinubu said the occasion of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) should serve as a moment of reflection and supplication for the nation.

She stressed that Nigerians must remain steadfast in seeking divine guidance for stability and growth.

The First Lady congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on the special occasion, describing Eid-el-Maulud as a reminder of the Prophet’s exemplary life.

According to her, the Prophet embodied humility, compassion, forgiveness, and devotion to Allah—values which all Nigerians should emulate in their daily lives.

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She urged citizens to show love, kindness, and unity, noting that such virtues remain vital to strengthening bonds across the country.

“On this special day of Eid-el-Maulud, I extend my warmest greetings to all our Muslim faithful across the nation.

“This celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad is a time to reflect on his exemplary life… As we mark this blessed day, let us continue to pray for our nation, for peace, prosperity, and progress”, the First Lady stated.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed that all interventions under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) are not politically motivated but aimed at improving the lives of Nigerian families across the board.

Speaking during an interactive engagement with traditional rulers and religious leaders in Lagos State, Mrs Tinubu said the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution presented a unique opportunity to clearly define the constitutional roles of traditional rulers in national development. 

According to a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady described traditional and religious leaders as custodians of culture and morality who are closest to the grassroots, stressing that their influence remains invaluable in the nation’s growth.

The First Lady urged them to intensify advocacy on public health matters, particularly the need for increased testing for Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, as well as wider acceptance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls. 

She also announced two upcoming RHI projects: the Green Nigeria Challenge, a competition to promote environmental consciousness, and the Flow With Confidence programme, which will provide adolescent girls in rural areas with a year-long supply of disposable sanitary towels to curb absenteeism from school during their menstrual cycles.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu  commended Senator Tinubu for the breadth of RHI programmes, noting their positive impact on agriculture, health, education, and social investment. 

He highlighted how women and youths have benefitted from empowerment initiatives, the establishment of Young Farmers Clubs, advocacy on cervical cancer prevention, as well as scholarships and support for girl-child education.

On behalf of the traditional rulers, the Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs and Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, praised the First Lady’s initiatives but appealed for similar support in creating alternative educational pathways for boys, just as girls’ education is being strongly promoted.

The First Lady’s Lagos engagements continued on Saturday with the RHI/SDG Women Empowerment Programme targeted at 500 women, as well as the commissioning of the Lagos State Leather Hub.