The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed 1,000 bags of rice to widows and indigent people across the 16 local government areas of Kwara State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture is part of end-of-year activities organised by the First Lady to distribute food items to the indigent.
Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the National Officer of Christian Northern Nigeria Progressive Forum (CNNPF), Mr. David Ifabiyi, said the food distribution was to the members of CNNPF, which is made up of 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Ifabiyi said the First Lady is the Grand Matron of the organisation, adding that the distribution of the foodstuffs had begun earlier in Kaduna State.
“The First Lady’s interest is dedicated towards reaching out to the widows and indigents in Nigeria. She is interested in helping the less privileged.
“In the spirit of Christmas, Mrs. Tinubu is putting smiles on the faces of widows, the less privileged, Christian bodies and other religious adherents,” he said.
Ifabiyi also said the First Lady had ensured that religious adherents, including Muslims, Christians, and traditional religion worshippers, benefited from the food distribution.
The National Officer of the organization lauded the peaceful distribution and the large turnout of beneficiaries.
He thanked Mrs. Tinubu for her kind gesture, urging the masses to support the Federal Government’s initiative in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in revamping the economy.
Also, the Kwara State Coordinator of CNNPF, Deacon Victor Abioye, praised Mrs. Tinubu for her laudable initiatives.
“It has been the usual practice of the First Lady to reach out to Christian widows and other vulnerable Nigerians every December to distribute foodstuffs,” he said.
Abioye said the masses were feeling the touch and happy that someone from the top was reaching out to them.
The cleric hailed President Tinubu for his administration’s policies that are geared towards developing the nation.
He added that it might be difficult in the beginning but expressed optimism that it would be beneficial to the country.
Abioye also expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome the present challenges and urged fellow citizens to support the present administration.
The coordinator also urged Nigerians to pray for the nation and the present administration to succeed.
Some beneficiaries, Mr. Babarinde Abiodun and Mrs. Beatrice Oladimeji, praised the First Lady for her kind gesture.
They prayed for the success of the Tinubu administration, saying the First Lady has consistently put smiles on their faces in the past two years.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reminded Nigerians that the values of love, compassion, kindness and generosity remain the bonds that unite the nation, urging citizens to uphold them beyond the Christmas season.
In her Christmas message, titled: “Hope Beyond the Season,” Mrs. Tinubu urged Nigerians to use the Yuletide as a time of reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to one another.
She noted that the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ carries enduring lessons for families and communities.
Mrs. Tinubu said Christmas offers an opportunity for Nigerians to count their blessings and extend a helping hand to those in need, stressing that empathy and generosity should guide interactions across religious, ethnic, and social lines.
The First Lady also expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness to the country and offered prayers for peace and security nationwide, emphasising the importance of harmony among Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other faiths.
She wished Nigerians a peaceful and joyful holiday season, while expressing optimism that the coming year would bring greater unity, renewed hope, and shared prosperity for the nation.
Mrs. Tinubu extended warm Christmas and New Year wishes to Nigerians at home and abroad, praying for divine blessings on the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday admonished Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence and unity as the surest pathway to national prosperity, declaring that harmony among citizens attracts divine blessings and strengthens nation-building.
Speaking in Kaduna at the annual distribution of food items to the Christian Northern Nigeria Political Forum (CNNPF) for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the First Lady drew from the Holy Bible, noting that when people live together in unity, God commands His blessings.
In a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country despite prevailing global and local challenges.
“Let us all stay and make Nigeria great again. Good things are already happening in this country,” she said, stressing that peace and harmony remain indispensable to sustainable development.
According to her, true nation-building is only possible where citizens see one another as brothers and sisters, regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
Commending Kaduna State for its strides in promoting interfaith harmony, Senator Tinubu praised the administration of Uba Sani, urging other states to emulate the example.
She thanked the governor and his wife, Hajia Hafsat Uba Sani, for their hospitality and for demonstrating that peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic lines is achievable.
The First Lady also used the occasion to call on Nigerians in the creative industry to partner with government in building the nation, noting that their growing global success positions them as key ambassadors of unity and national pride.
“Our stars should please come and join us in building this nation. I am available, if they want me to partner with them,” she said.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady as leaders deeply committed to service, compassion and national unity.
He said the First Lady’s philanthropy cuts across religious, ethnic and regional boundaries, reinforcing social cohesion and mutual respect.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, echoed similar sentiments, noting that Kaduna State has enjoyed improved peace due to purposeful leadership, which he said mirrors the example set by the President at the national level.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, assured Nigerians that ongoing initiatives of the APC-led Federal Government and APC-controlled states would translate into a better 2026 for citizens.
The National Coordinator of the CNNPF, Ibrahim Itodo, commended President Tinubu for sustaining national unity and prayed for his successful re-election in 2027.
He also appealed to northern governors to adopt Kaduna State’s peace-building strategy to enhance harmony in their states.
The annual food distribution programme, a collaboration between the Office of the First Lady and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, benefited over 48,000 people from 19 northern states at this year’s edition.
– More than 10m elderly Nigerians now at risk of worsening poverty
Fourteen years after Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (CON) proposed a comprehensive bill towards tackling the welfare challenges confronting Nigeria’s elderly population, bureaucratic red tape, legal frameworks and budgetary constraints are still stifling the initiative.
According to a 2022 World Bank estimate, Nigeria has approximately ten million people above 60 years of age and approximately 6.5 million above 65 years.
While the corridors of the National Assembly and venues of government events are currently buzzing with high-minded rhetoric about honoring the “labours of our heroes past,” a cold reality permeates the streets outside: for millions of elderly Nigerians, growing old is becoming synonymous with becoming invisible.
The Nation’s findings show that despite what seem to be constitutional guarantees, Nigeria’s laws and budgetary allocations appear very unfair to the elderly and according to activist, Moses Adedeji of Child Rights Network (CHRINET), “current legal architecture for elderly care is built on a foundation that is legally shaky.”
Section 16(2)(d) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution mandates the State to provide “old age care and pensions but it falls under Chapter 2 – the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy – a chapter which legal experts have long argued to be non-justiciable as no citizen can sue government for failing to provide it.
Currently, Nigeria’s strongest legal framework for elderly care is the NSCC Act of 2017 that established the National Senior Citizens Centre, the first corporate body mandated to identify and cater to the needs of senior citizens.
However, while the Act allows the Centre to initiate health and social programs, critics point out that without a dedicated, heavy-weight social security fund attached to it, the Centre risks becoming a purely administrative body rather than a welfare-dispensing one.
Current concerted moves by both the Senate and the House of Representatives for the new “Older Persons (Rights and Privileges) Bill, 2025” appears to be very promising but an in-depth critique of the existing legal framework, the national budget, and the sheer demographic reality of over 14.8 million persons aged 60 and above, reveals a widening chasm between legislative intent and the actual delivery of welfare.
Altogether, data from various pension sources indicate that less than 11% of the Nigerian workforce participates in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), with the implication that the roughly 9 out of 10 Nigerians currently working mostly in the informal sector, will retire with zero formal pension savings.
Also, projections associated with the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), shows that Nigeria is home to over 14.8 million persons aged 60 and above.
Current data on Nigeria’s poverty rate suggests that roughly 70% of this demographic falls into the “poor” or “vulnerable” category, lacking access to regular income.
On-going fragmented efforts include the National Assembly’s new effort to pass the Rights for Older Persons Bill aimed at making welfare justiciable (suable) rather than just a policy objective while the executive is working through the NSCC, to try to operationalise the National Policy on Ageing and the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) is continuing to expand the National Social Register to capture more vulnerable households for the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme.
Reps push stronger rights, welfare guarantees for elderly Nigerians
The House of Representatives on Wednesday revived national attention to the plight of elderly Nigerians, as lawmakers moved to tighten welfare guarantees and expand legally enforceable rights for senior citizens who, according to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, “have been left far too long at the mercy of a collapsing family support system.”
The Speaker spoke at a public hearing on the Older Persons Rights Bill, a proposed legislation seeking to secure free medical care in government hospitals, tax reliefs, monthly stipends for indigent seniors, and a suite of protections against neglect and discrimination.
The session, organised by the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development chaired by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos), drew wide participation from ministries, pension regulators, and social protection agencies.
Said Speaker Abass: “Our older people now face abuse, marginalisation and deprivation. This Bill will bridge that gap by creating a formal and enforceable structure of protection.”
The Speaker faulted existing legislation — including the National Senior Citizens Centre Act (2018) — for failing to respond to the specific vulnerabilities older persons face. He also argued that constitutional safeguards against discrimination under Section 42 do not fully address injustices based solely on age.
He described the proposed law as “a progressive step that aligns Nigeria’s social welfare system with contemporary realities.”
The draft makes provisions for free medical care in government hospitals, tax exemptions for older citizens, monthly stipends for indigent elderly persons, legal safeguards against abandonment and neglect as well as civil and social rights that ensure inclusion and dignity.
Tajudeen stressed that Chapter Two of the Constitution — which outlines socio-economic obligations of the state — is not enforceable, making a specialised law for the elderly necessary.
Committee chair, Hon. Ogbara, framed the Bill as a moral and civic obligation.
“As we know, older persons face unique challenges that affect their health, economic stability, and social participation. This legislation is designed to confront those issues head-on and guarantee their rights as citizens who still have value to contribute,” she said.
Stakeholders push for amendments, warn against gaps
Regulatory agencies welcomed the Bill but called for clarity, harmonisation and stronger financial architecture.
The representative of National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Nsikak Okon, urged lawmakers to ensure the Bill aligns seamlessly with the NSCC Act to avoid operational conflicts.
PENCOM, represented by Martins Ikagu, described the move as a “positive step for social security” but flagged several clauses — including 2, 3(2), 4(1), 5, 17(1), 30, and 38(2) — for revision.
He raised concerns about: Funding sources for the proposed monthly stipends
· Lack of guidance on where the funds would be domiciled
· The need to specify MDAs involved in social protection
· A clause excluding existing pension beneficiaries, which he argued may violate Section 42 on discrimination
Ikagu also recommended that participation in a social security scheme be compulsory for all employed Nigerians, formal and informal, to ensure long-term sustainability.
On the provision requiring 25% of the national minimum wage as monthly stipends for indigent seniors, he insisted that “clear and codified funding mechanisms are necessary to avoid implementation failures.”
He also flagged a drafting issue in Clause 17(1) on accessibility aids, urging lawmakers to review the phrasing for coherence.
Elderly Care: A test of political will
Budget analysts note that broader social protection considerations occupy only a tiny slice of a budget that years of accumulated burdens has shaped into prioritizing security and debt service with the implication that the fiscal headroom for quick expansion of elderly services is limited.
Also, coverage is narrow and uneven as the contributory pension scheme largely benefits those who worked in the formal sector and who had contributions lodged into Retirement Savings Accounts that tends to exclude a large numbers of older Nigerians who are informal traders, subsistence farmers, domestic workers and many women who provided unpaid care.
Where pensions do exist, beneficiaries still face practical obstacles: delays in payment, opaque arrears procedures and sometimes difficulty in proving entitlement; even though PenCom and pension administrators have made reforms and public statements about improved payments and the handling of accrued rights, complaints about delays and gaps persist.
Outside pensions, there is no universal non-contributory old-age (social) pension in Nigeria – a regular cash transfer to all older citizens regardless of past employment; proposals and draft bills have circulated for years but there is not yet a nationwide automatic pension for all elderly citizens
The Ogbara Committee is expected to collate stakeholder submissions, refine the draft, and present a harmonised report to the House for further legislative action.
For millions of older Nigerians watching from the fringes of an unforgiving economy, the outcome could determine whether their twilight years are lived with dignity — or further neglect.
The Older Persons Rights Bill is one of the most ambitious attempts in recent years to address the vulnerability of ageing Nigerians, many of whom live without pensions, health coverage, or reliable family support.
If passed, the law would situate Nigeria among African countries moving toward formalised, enforceable welfare guarantees for the elderly.
But as one senior committee aide told The Nation, the real battle will be at the budgeting stage:
“Everyone agrees older people deserve dignity. The challenge is finding the money — and the political will – to make these promises real.”
Spokesperson of the National Senior Citizens’ Centre, Abdulfatai Otori, spoke with The Nation on efforts being made by NSCC to address the welfare of elderly citizens.
Healthcare and Social Care
The NSCC has conducted comprehensive medical outreach programmes across various states, offering free laboratory tests, routine check-ups, and surgeries for conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. We also distribute assistive devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and guide canes to improve mobility and independence.
A key focus is the development of a skilled geriatric social care workforce, with the first cohort of certified caregivers having completed their training in August 2025.
The most recent medical outreach in collaboration with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction which held in Jos, Plateau State in commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons, provided hundreds of senior citizens with free healthcare services, including general medical consultations, eye screenings, surgeries, as well as the distribution of essential medicines. Assistive devices such as walking aids were also provided to improve mobility and independence.
Earlier in the year, over 500 elderly persons from the 31 local government areas in Akwa ibom state also benefited from a free medical outreach.
NSCC is also partnering the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to protect the rights of older persons in Nigeria. This collaboration includes joint initiatives to combat abuse, advocate for protective laws, and integrate the concerns of senior citizens into national policy and development frameworks.
NSCC is actively adopting a multi-sectoral, sector-specific approach to older persons’ welfare. This strategy involves targeted programmes across different areas like health, income security, and social engagement, rather than a single, general solution.
Continuing Engagement Bureau (CEB)
Through this programme, NSCC connects skilled retirees from both formal and informal sectors to opportunities for continued valuable contributions, either through volunteerism or paid employment, to supplement earnings.
Pensions
The NSCC is also working with the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to ensure pensioners receive correct and timely payments and to include older persons in a national social protection policy for potential cash transfers.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday urged Nigerians to embrace a renewed spirit of generosity in 2026.
She said that privileged citizens need to share more of their God-given blessings with the less privileged, stressing that giving is a moral duty and an expression of gratitude.
Mrs. Tinubu made the appeal while addressing reporters at the end of her 2025 Children’s Christmas Brunch at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
The event, the third since she became the First Lady, was organised for children from foster homes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mrs. Tinubu said she intended to expand her message of generosity in her upcoming podcast, stating that many Nigerians refrain from giving because they measure their lives by the standards of the wealthy rather than remembering their humble beginnings.
“Next year should be a year Nigerians reach out to others, especially those who are less privileged. Most people, when they are blessed, want to remain at that level of blessing and only associate with people there. But not me. I always try to hold on to my foundation… When you begin to fly high, you can fall like Humpty Dumpty if you forget who you are,” she said.
The First Lady explained that she often continues to gives until she has “zero,” not out of abundance but from a desire to share the favour God has bestowed on her.
She urged fellow Nigerians to take pride in what they have and to view giving as an extension of gratitude.
“You’ve been eating before you got to this position. You’ve been wearing clothes before you got to this position. Own what you have; be proud of who you are; and then you will be able to share the favour God has given you,” she added.
Mrs. Tinubu explained that the event was deliberately structured for children from modest backgrounds, not the children of ministers or top government officials.
“When I was First Lady before, I never invited ministers’ children. They have food to eat. This is for the people. We bring in children so that one day, if they become leaders, the picture is already planted in their minds,” Mrs. Tinubu said.
The First Lady noted that the event also served as cultural exposure for children, introducing them to new experiences and helping shape their aspirations.
“Some said they want to be soldiers. They see what is going on and are already planning how to help protect the society in future,” she noted.
Speaking on the mixed experiences of Nigerian children this year, the global academic situation and other achievements on one hand and mass abductions on the other, the First Lady insisted that the Tinubu administration has acted swiftly and responsibly, particularly in the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren.
“Mr. President has done the needful. They’ve gone after them. This is the quickest rescue we have ever gotten in the history of this nation,” she said.
Mrs. Tinubu urged Nigerians to appreciate the scale of Nigeria’s challenges, noting that the country’s population, estimated at over 250 million, is comparable to that of the United States.
“Cut Mr. President some slack. We work seven days a week in here. You think I don’t want a safe society? I do. Every child that leaves this place should feel safe. That is what we are working for,” she added.
Describing the brunch as “a really good day,” the First Lady said the children’s joy reflected the hope that still exists in the country.
Mrs. Tinubu added that their aspirations, including those who declared interest in joining the armed forces, show that the next generation is already thinking about how to confront security threats.
“They are ready for you. Before you get me, I’m going to get you. That’s what they are saying. It’s a good day. We should celebrate,” she said.
The First Lady engaged the children in a reading session from her book, The Christmas Story, which creatively portrays the story of Jesus’ birth, featuring Nigerian characters.
“I wanted to create a Christmas story where the heroes are blacks, where children could see themselves in the story. We own this story with our rich culture and tradition,” the First Lady stated..
She stressed the importance of instilling pride of the nation’s heritage and identity in the young ones, saying: “It is my culture that really gives me good self-esteem. I know who I am and whose I am.”
Each child introduced their ambitions, ranging from doctors and engineers, to pastors, bakers, soldiers, lawyers, and even the president.
The celebration included a feast of jollof rice, fried rice, Chinese noodles, sweet treats, and gifts from the First Lady, alongside appearances by Santa Claus.
The number of dignitaries reflected the essence of the occasion.
Gaily dressed Nigerians, mostly in traditional white attire, yesterday accompanied the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to the palace of the Ooni of Ife in Osun State.
There, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, conferment on her the chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodu’a.
The colourful ceremony drew dignitaries from across the country and from the diplomatic corps.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, also graced the occasion.
Shortly after the ceremony, Mrs. Tinubu expressed optimism that the ongoing reforms and economic rebound of the government would make Nigeria a lending nation rather than a borrower by next year.
The ceremony coincided with the 10th coronation anniversary of Oba Ogunwusi on the throne of his forebears.
Mrs. Tinubu stresses that the ongoing reforms would soon reposition Nigeria as a financial pillar in Africa.
The First Lady expressed the confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would show critics and leaders around the world how best to govern.
She said: “Nigeria’s joy has come. Those wondering how we want to do it, we will show them how things are being done.
“By 2026, Nigeria will be in prosperity; other countries will come and borrow money from us. It is important to say it here at the source of the Yoruba cradle that during this present administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they will wonder how he was able to achieve such a milestone.”
She congratulated the Ooni and prayed for him to have a peaceful reign with lots of developmental strides.
“Today is a not a day of long speeches. I want to thank the people of Ile-Ife. I also thank the Ooni of Ile-Ife for bestowing such an honour on me.”
Oba Ogunwusi rededicated himself to the service of humanity and societal development, especially among the nation’s youths.
He described the First Lady as a blessing to Nigeria.
The Ooni said Mrs. Tinubu was conferred with the title because she has contributed to the welfare of women and the girl-child.
He urged her to do more.
“The First Lady has been a mother since I ascended the throne. She has been very nice to everyone, especially women and the girl-child. She is indeed a mother.
“I install you the Yeye Asiwaju of Oodu’a land on behalf of all traditional rulers, including the kings of Itsekiri land and in the presence of the Sultan. We did it for the President five years ago, but today, thank God, he released the First Lady for the rites.”
Ex-President Obasanjo congratulated Oba Ogunwusi for transforming the throne and elevating the Yoruba culture.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke said the title fitted Mrs. Tinubu perfectly.
“We, as a government, have in you a partner in exporting the Yoruba culture and traditions to the world and we are committed to uplifting infrastructure in the ancient city to attract more tourists to Ile-Ife,” he added.
Other governors at the event included Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), as well as former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
Other dignitaries include Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, and Senators Francis Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi.
The wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, led the wives of governors, female ministers, wives of governors, House of Representatives members and wives of other high-ranking military officials to the event.
Prominent traditional rulers at the event included the Olu of Warri, HM Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo; the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye; alongside many other royal fathers from across Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Others at the event included the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole; the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi; former First Lady, Patience Jonathan; the wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola; the wife of the Minister of Defence, Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa; the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas; the wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Kalu; the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila; the wife of the Osun State governor, Mrs. Titilayo Adeleke; the Yeyelaje of Oodu’a, Mrs. Toyin Kolade; and the wife of former Oyo State governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi.
…as NTA, FRCN, VON hold service of nine lessons in Abuja
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Sunday expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome its challenges and emerge stronger.
Speaking at the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols 2025 in Abuja, themed “Jesus Our Strength,” Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to approach the coming new year with confidence rather than fear.
The event, held at the National Christian Centre, was jointly organized by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), and Voice of Nigeria (VON).
Describing this year’s theme as timely and prophetic, the First Lady said it underscores a powerful declaration that Jesus remains the strength of Nigeria.
The wife of the president said, “Your consistency strengthens Nigeria’s faith, culture, creativity, and spiritual humility. May this Christmas season of 2025 usher us into a year of renewed strength in 2026. May our confidence in God’s plan for Nigeria be revived. God is in the storm with us, and He has given us the power of Christ to overcome every individual and collective challenge. The victory of our faith is the victory of our nation.
“May our homes be filled with joy, our communities with peace, and our hands with strength that only Jesus gives. As the theme declares — Jesus, our Strength — may we never forget that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Let us not enter the coming year with fear, but with confident assurance that God crowns the year with goodness and leads us in glory. Nigeria may be tested, but Nigeria will triumph.
“Tonight, we gather not merely to sing songs, though praise is central to our worship, but to reflect deeply on the message behind the melodies, the drumbeats, the dances, the cultural rhythms, and the heavenly-sounding carols that connect us to the nativity.
“We have heard songs from across Nigeria: refreshing, reviving, and truly representative of both the spirit of Christmas and the essence of Abuja as a symbol of Nigerian unity. Nigeria was created by God, and Nigerians were created to carry a generational legacy of His will through seasons such as this.
“We are here to declare renewed hope — because even when a tree is cut down, at the scent of water, it will bud again. As Reverend William Okoye reminded us, Nigeria will rise again. Truly, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. When we see the Red Sea before us, we must lift our eyes to Jesus, who walks upon the waters and brings us through. We must embrace the fear of God, and cast away the fear of circumstances. This season reminds us of a holy night, but more importantly, of a holy legacy.
Senator Tinubu was represented by Mandate Secretary, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Women Affairs Secretariat, Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi when further, “Scripture declares in Psalm 65:11–13 that God crowns the year with goodness; the pastures overflow, and the valleys shout for joy. Nigeria, we will shout for joy. We will sing. And our fields will flourish again. These words are not mere echoes — they are prophetic declarations aligned with the heartbeat of Christmas.
“God crowns the year not by human hands, but by divine covering. We have listened tonight to powerful presentations: the choir, the children on saxophone, the instrumentalists, and the custodians of our cultural and spiritual heritage. They stand on our shoulders, and we must ensure those shoulders are firm. Like Israel, Nigeria has journeyed through seasons — challenges, transitions, humbling moments. Yet here we stand, global yet grounded, and embracing divine help once again. A new Nigeria is like a new Jerusalem that will not pass away.
“Nigeria’s values will rise again. Our fields will flourish again. Our unity will strengthen again. The question remains: Do we have room in our hearts for the Savior? The birth of Jesus remains the world’s greatest announcement: That light is stronger than darkness.
“That peace overcomes fear. And that God is with us — Emmanuel. On behalf of Her Excellency, I celebrate the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, the Nigerian Television Authority, and Voice of Nigeria for uniting their voices in worship with the body of Christ across denominations, raising one national chorus of faith.
“On behalf of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu — a mother, an intercessor, a pastor, a woman of grace and strategic intentionality — I declare grace over this nation, over your homes, and over every heart listening. May the amazing grace of Christ guide Nigeria into His purpose, now and always.”
The Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, also calls for peace and unity among Nigerians no matter the religion.
He said, “We should all embrace this tradition of unity. Our founding fathers built a country where diversity is respected. We all have a responsibility, whether as private citizens or public officials, to deepen our understanding and respect for different religions and beliefs. This period is one of national healing. We must support the vision of President Bola Tinubu for Nigeria to take its rightful place—not just in Africa, but within the global community.
“This event, from the beginning, has always promoted national unity. With the support of the President and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Voice of Nigeria remains committed to the founding values of leading discussions and forging positive narratives about Nigeria, Nigerians, Africa, and Africans.
“Regarding Nigerians celebrating Christmas, I encourage Christians to embrace the teachings of Jesus—known as Nabi Isa in Islam. Muslims respect him, saying “Ali Salam” when he is mentioned. This reflects the mutual respect embedded in our diverse religions. We must understand and respect these differences rather than focusing on divisions.
“Individual actions should not define who we are as Nigerians. We must remain focused on national development. Public media institutions have a crucial role to play in shaping positive narratives. In this age of misinformation and fake news, we must ensure that public media serves the country, not personal agendas.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us—Muslims, Christians, and people of all faiths. The world is watching us, and we should define ourselves, not allow others to define us. Nigerians are talented, resilient, and capable. While Nigeria is a work in progress, we should remain proud and intentional in shaping its narrative positively.”
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed optimism in the ongoing reforms and economic rebound, declaring that by 2026, other countries would be borrowing from Nigeria.
Tinubu made a disclosure at Ile-Ife, Osun State, shortly after she was installed as Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodu’a on Sunday, a ceremony held at the Palace Square to mark the 10th coronation anniversary of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi on the throne of his forebears.
She stressed that ongoing reforms would soon reposition Nigeria as a financial pillar in the region, boasting that President Bola Tinubu’s government will show critics and leaders around the world how best to govern.
According to her, “Nigeria’s joy has come, those wondering how we want to do it, we will show them how things are being done.
“By 2026, Nigeria will be in prosperity, and other countries will come and borrow money from us. It is important to say it here at the source of the Yoruba cradle today, that during this present administration led by President Bola Tinubu, they will wonder how he was able to achieve such a milestone.”
She congratulated Ooni and prayed for a peaceful, developmental reign.
“Today is not a day of long speeches. I want to thank the people of Ile-Ife. I also thank the Ooni of Ile-Ife for bestowing such honour.”
Earlier, Oba Ogunwusi rededicated himself to the service of humanity and social development, especially among youths across the country.
He also described the First Lady as a blessing to Nigeria, which formed the reason she was installed as Yeye-Asiwaju because she has contributed to the welfare of women and girl child, urging her to do more.
“The First Lady has been a mother since I ascended the throne. She has been very nice to everyone, especially women and the girl-child; she is indeed a mother.
“I will install you as Yeye Asiwaju of Oodua land on behalf of all traditional rulers, including the Itsekiri land, and in the presence of the Sultan. We did it for the President five years ago, but today, thank God, he released the first lady for the rites.”
Also, the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his remark, congratulated Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for transforming the throne and elevating Yoruba culture.
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, described the First Lady as a round peg in a round hole for the chieftaincy title.
“We as a government have in you, a partner in exporting Yoruba culture and tradition to the world, and we are committed to uplifting infrastructure in the ancient city to attract more tourists to Ile-Ife”, he added.
Other governors at the event include Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, and former Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Also at the gathering are Senators Bamidele Opeyemi, Solomon Adeola, Francis Fadahunsi, and Olubiyi Fadeyi.
The wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, led wives of Governors, female ministers, wives of Senators, House of Representatives members, and wives of service chiefs to the event.
Among the dignitaries who reflected Ooni’s wide-reaching influence across Nigeria and beyond are the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo; Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye, alongside many other royal fathers from across Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Also, in attendance were Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, former First Lady, Patience Jonathan.
Also present are Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, wife of the Minister of Defence; Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Kalu, wife of the Deputy Speaker; Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President; Mrs. Titilayo Adeleke, wife of the Osun State Governor; the Yeyelaje of Oodua, Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Kolade, and former Oyo First Lady, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi.
Fed Govt orders strict enforcement of 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday empowered 9,500 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with N200,000 each across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), amounting to N1.9 billion in direct business support under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The Federal Government has also ordered ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to fully comply with the mandatory 5 per cent employment quota for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
The First Lady formally disbursed the funds at Mambilla Barracks in Abuja with 250 physically challenged military and police veterans benefitting from the initiative in the FCT.
Mrs. Tinubu described the initiative as a reflection of RHI’s commitment to inclusion and shared prosperity.
The First Lady said the programme held a special significance for her as it coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and was being implemented simultaneously across the 36 states, the FCT, and with the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu said: “Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully.”
Quoting American disability rights advocate, Helen Keller, the First Lady added: “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”
She said the words served as a reminder that “a truly inclusive society is built when we stand together and create opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts to our collective progress.”
Mrs. Tinubu said fostering a disability-inclusive society remained a deliberate pathway to advancing social progress, adding 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.
Also, in Ekiti State, the RHI empowered 250 PWDs.
During the presentation ceremony held at the Lady Jibowu Hall at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Mrs. Tinubu was represented by the wife of Ekiti State governor and State RHI Coordinator, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji.
She highlighted the importance of inclusion and equal opportunity for PWDs.
The First Lady stressed that the initiative was part of a broader national vision to ensure that no one is left behind in the social and economic development of the country.
Senator Oluremi also launched the RHI Economic Empowerment for PWDs to commemorate the International Day of PWDs.
The First Lady expressed gratitude to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for their support and for complementing the efforts of President Tinubu at ensuring that no one is left behind in the development agenda of the country.
Mrs. Tinubu 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 had 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 3, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” she stated.
The First Lady 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.
In commemorating the day, the government stated that the era of excuses for non-compliance has ended.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, issued the directive on Tuesday during the commemoration of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities Forum in Abuja.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by the SGF’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Senator Akume said the government had entered a new phase of full enforcement of disability rights across all sectors.
The SGF, who was represented by a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communication, Nadungu Gagare, said accessibility to public buildings, transport systems, and service channels is now a legal requirement, not a matter of goodwill.
Describing 2025 as “a historic year” for disability inclusion, the SGF noted that the five-year moratorium provided under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 has expired, moving Nigeria from transition to enforcement.
With this shift, he said, MDAs must demonstrate clear adherence to the law.
“The Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly committed to building a Nigeria where no one is excluded from meaningful participation. Accessibility is no longer optional. It is the law. The era of excuses is over,” Akume stated.
The SGF also urged the private sector to champion disability inclusion, arguing that it is not an act of charity but “smart economics” that improves innovation, widens the talent pool, and enhances corporate growth and reputation.
He added: “Companies that embrace diversity and inclusion outperform their peers. Disability has never meant inability, it simply reflects a different pathway to contribution.”
Akume emphasised that PWDs are not seeking sympathy but access, opportunity, and fair recognition.
Their contributions, as artisans, entrepreneurs, technologists, educators and public servants, are already shaping national development, the SGF said.
He outlined three priority actions for national progress: employing qualified PWDs to meet the 5 per cent quota; equipping workplaces with accessible tools and environments; and expanding leadership and enterprise opportunities for PWDs, including support for PWD-owned businesses.
“Inclusion must be reflected in our budgets, infrastructure, hiring decisions, corporate strategies, and daily interactions. Nigeria cannot rise fully while leaving talent behind,” he said.
Akume hailed the Office of the Deputy Speaker and the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation for hosting what he called a timely forum, coming at a moment when Nigeria is at a major turning point on its journey toward full inclusion.
Also, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday empowered 9,500 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with ₦200,000 each across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), amounting to ₦1.9 billion in direct business support under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
Also, in Ekiti State, the RHI empowered 250 PWDs.
During the presentation ceremony held at the Lady Jibowu Hall at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Mrs. Tinubu was represented by the wife of Ekiti State governor and State RHI Coordinator, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji.
She highlighted the importance of inclusion and equal opportunity for PWDs.
The First Lady stressed that the initiative was part of a broader national vision to ensure that no one is left behind in the social and economic development of the country.
Senator Oluremi also launched the RHI Economic Empowerment for PWDs to commemorate the International Day of PWDs.
The First Lady expressed gratitude to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for their support and for complementing the efforts of President Tinubu at ensuring that no one is left behind in the development agenda of the country.
Lead advocate of the Reserved Seats for Women’s Bill, Chief Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche, has described the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s endorsement of the legislation as “a decisive and transformative milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey”.
She said the backing stands as proof of what sustained advocacy and principled leadership can achieve.
According to her, the First Lady’s public support “marks a decisive turning point in our national journey toward true inclusion.”
She explained that the endorsement did not emerge from spontaneous political goodwill but from months of deliberate engagement, strategic dialogue, and relentless pressure from women’s groups and allies nationwide.
“After months of persistent engagement, hard truths, and unwavering commitment, we have arrived at a moment that reflects the collective strength of Nigerian women.
“This endorsement is not just a political affirmation; it is a clear declaration that the future of our democracy must fully recognise the voice, power, and presence of Nigerian women.”
She stressed that the development represents the culmination of years of organising by women at every level of society.
“This moment was not handed to us,” she noted.
“It was earned through the resilience of women and allies across this country people who refused to be silent, who refused to back down, and who understood that inclusion is essential, not optional.”
Igbinedion-Ogwuche extended deep appreciation to Senator Tinubu, describing her stance as an important signal to policymakers.
“The First Lady’s support signals that meaningful change is possible when leadership listens, when empathy aligns with courage, and when we commit ourselves to building a nation that leaves no one behind.
“It shows that progress is within reach when we are unified by purpose and when we recognise that the advancement of women is integral to the advancement of Nigeria.”
She dedicated the moment to Nigerian women who have consistently pushed for space in governance, despite systemic barriers.
“To every woman who marched, who advocated, who kept pushing even when every door seemed shut this moment belongs to you.
“Your persistence, your courage, and your refusal to give up are the foundation upon which this breakthrough now stands.”
Igbinedion-Ogwuche added that the endorsement should serve as fuel for the final push as the Bill moves through the National Assembly.
She emphasised that the Reserved Seats for Women’s Bill represents not just a legislative proposal but a structural intervention designed to unlock the full potential of Nigerian women in political leadership.
According to her, “What we are fighting for is not symbolic representation. We are fighting for meaningful participation.
“We are fighting for a Nigeria where women sit at the table, shape decisions, influence policy, and help chart the course of our national future.
“This endorsement brings us significantly closer to that vision.”
She urged all stakeholders lawmakers, civil society, political parties, and community leaders to match the First Lady’s commitment with decisive action, noting that true progress requires collective ownership.
“This is our moment to rise to the occasion.
“Nigeria cannot afford to leave half of its population behind.
“The path forward is clear, and the time to act is now.”
