First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed commitment to women’s empowerment through technology, saying that when women are equipped with the right tools and knowledge, they become “agents of change in their families, communities, and the nation at large.”
She spoke at the formal closing ceremony of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)/Huawei Women in Tech Training Programme, at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, where 300 women entrepreneurs drawn from the six geopolitical zones of the country were trained in digital and technological skills.
In a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady described the programme as a digital empowerment initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth, economic diversification, and digital transformation.
Encouraging the participants to sustain their learning momentum, Mrs Tinubu urged them to continuously adapt to emerging technologies and use their skills to drive innovation and social impact.
“Although the training has ended, technology keeps changing. Your biggest strength is your ability to keep learning, evolving, and adapting to new trends available for your growth. Use your new skills to solve real problems in your various communities, because true innovation is only valuable when it improves lives,” she advised.
The First Lady congratulated the beneficiaries, who came from diverse sectors including agriculture, fashion, catering, retail, event management, and technology services, noting that 24 participants were recognised as outstanding performers.
She expressed appreciation to Huawei Technologies Nigeria for partnering with the Renewed Hope Initiative to empower Nigerian women, adding that the federal government would continue to collaborate with the private sector to bridge technological gaps and foster women-led innovation.
“The present administration will continue to do all it can to meet the technology and economic needs of its over 250 million population, especially with help from well-meaning corporate organisations such as Huawei. I charge you all to mentor others in your various businesses. Be a guide for young girls and women who think technology is not for them,” she added.
Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, commended the initiative, saying it gives women a competitive edge in their businesses and careers.
“ICT is the new way of doing things all over the world, and Nigerians cannot afford to be left behind,” he said.
AManaging Director of Huawei Nigeria, Mr. Chris Lou, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for giving the company the opportunity to contribute to women’s economic and social development.
Certificates of participation were presented to the trainees by Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, Wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajia Laila Barau, and Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Ambassador Dr. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, among others.
The event was attended by wives of state governors, members of the National Assembly, and heads of security agencies, underscoring the national significance of the initiative in advancing women’s inclusion in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art e-Learning Centre at the Delta Model Technical College, Asaba.
The centre was donated through Senator Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The Asaba project was among 10 newly-completed Digital Learning Centres opened simultaneously across the country in a virtual ceremony that connected facilities in Abia, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ondo, Yobe, Zamfara and Edo states.
Speaking during the inauguration, Mrs Tinubu commended NITDA for collaborating with the Renewed Hope Initiative to promote digital education and prepare young Nigerians for future opportunities.
“In the nearest future, every nook and cranny of our country will be digitalised. I officially inaugurated these 10 ICT centres across Nigeria,” she declared.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called for stronger partnerships and collaborations among African nations to bridge health and education gaps and give renewed hope to families across the continent.
Speaking at the 12th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee Meeting in Banjul, The Gambia, on Wednesday, Senator Tinubu said partnerships built on shared values could strengthen health systems, expand educational access, and empower women and families across Nigeria and Africa.
According to a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media Busola Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu said: “partnerships built on shared values can build stronger health systems, expand educational access, and give hope to families across Nigeria”.
Highlighting the achievements of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Tinubu noted that the foundation has continued to complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in key areas such as education, health, economic empowerment, social investment, and agriculture.
“In health, RHI has so far donated $2 million to support advocacy and treatment for cervical cancer and tuberculosis as part of our commitment to eliminate both diseases by 2030, among other interventions in collaboration with local and international partners,” she said.
On education, the First Lady disclosed that RHI has awarded annual scholarships to 47 indigent university students for three consecutive years and, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, provided an additional 1,500 scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Commending the Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, Senator Rasha Kelej, for the foundation’s interventions, Senator Tinubu said Nigerian doctors had benefited from 14 scholarships for one-year diploma programmes in fertility and embryology, as well as two-year master’s degrees in sexual and reproductive care, women’s health, and family medicine.
She added that 40 scholarships were granted for diploma and master’s programmes in diabetes, endocrinology, cardiovascular prevention, cardiology, and obesity management, in addition to three scholarships for oncology research, medical oncology, and pain management.
Tinubu expressed optimism that the collaboration between RHI and the Merck Foundation could be expanded to further support healthcare and educational empowerment initiatives across Africa.
The meeting, attended by First Ladies from several African countries including the host, The Gambia, as well as São Tomé, the Central African Republic, Burundi, and Senegal, focused on addressing women’s and children’s health and educational challenges on the continent.
The Qatar Foundation has pledged to support Nigeria’s renewed efforts to reform the Almajiri and out-of-school-children education system.
The foundation’s promise followed a meeting between the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the foundation’s Founder, Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, in Doha.
Mrs. Tinubu, who led the Nigerian delegation, sought the foundation’s collaboration to address the challenge of more than 15 million out-of-school children in Nigeria — the highest number globally.
According to the First Lady, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, is embarking on a transformative model of Almajiri Education Schools that will integrate both Islamic and formal education.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said: “These schools will host and care for children in a safe learning environment, including mosques for worship, skills acquisition facilities, and boarding accommodations for students, Imams, and caregivers.
“This holistic approach will allow children to acquire both formal and Islamic education free from exploitation, while equipping them with life skills to contribute meaningfully to society.”
Mrs. Tinubu noted that the scale of the challenge required strategic international partnerships, adding: “Given the magnitude of this challenge and the competing demands on our national resources, Nigeria cannot achieve this alone. Your Highness represents precisely the kind of visionary partner who can help us make this dream a reality.”
She lauded Sheikha Moza’s global leadership and humanitarian record through the Qatar Foundation, particularly its landmark education projects, such as the Education City, which hosts over 40 schools and universities, and the Qatar National Library.
“I am proud to learn of your achievements in surpassing the target of enrolling 10 million marginalised children into school. Watching you do all these great works reinforces our conviction that change is possible,” the First Lady said.
Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, who is also the Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, promised that the foundation would actively support Nigeria’s Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education initiative.
She announced that the foundation would work directly with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education to provide technical support, including the training of handlers and teachers in the proposed schools, to ensure high-quality learning outcomes.
Mrs. Tinubu had earlier toured the foundation’s headquarters in Doha, where she was received by the CEO, Yousif Al Na’am, and other senior officials.
During the visit, she was informed that Nigeria currently has 41 alumni from the Muhammad Khalifa University.
Senator Tinubu was accompanied by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed; and the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris.
The initiative targets 106 million children across the country.
Mrs. Tinubu reiterated her commitment to expanding the initiative, which currently involves the vaccination of children and women in selected states.
The Nation gathered that Rivers is among the Fourth Stream of Phase One states participating in Africa’s largest-ever health initiative, targeting over 106 million Nigerian children for vaccination against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV.
The campaign, being implemented by the RHI in collaboration with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, C-WINS and international partners, including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Vaccine Alliance, was designed to protect millions of children and women from preventable diseases.
The rollout in Rivers State is expected to begin next February for children aged nine months to 14 years across the 23 local government areas.
Mrs. Tinubu stated that the ongoing measles and rubella vaccination campaign in Rivers would surpass all previous records in scope and success.
The First Lady spoke through the wife of the Rivers State governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, during the launching of the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Vaccine sensitisation campaign, organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday.
She said: “We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the measles vaccine coverage achieved through this campaign exceeds that of the past.
“Through technical and financial support, this partnership will ensure that by February 2026, well-trained staff are deployed across communities to vaccinate all eligible children.”
Senator Tinubu highlighted the risks of the targeted diseases, describing Measles and Rubella as “highly contagious and potentially deadly”.
She noted that Rubella could cause severe complications for unborn babies, if contracted by an expectant mother.
“The best way to prevent both diseases remains vaccination,” Mrs. Tinubu said
She applauded the efforts by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, led by Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.
She urged parents and caregivers across the state to cooperate with health workers and exercise no fear about the vaccines
She said: “The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free in all our health centres. Please, ensure your children are vaccinated at the right time to protect them from these deadly infections.
“Let us all play our part in spreading awareness. Together, we can safeguard the health and future of our children,” she said, before formally declaring the sensitisation programme open.
Prof Odu praised the Renewed Hope Initiative for its sustained impact in Rivers State.
The deputy governor stressed that the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Sensitisation Programme marked “a significant step in promoting public health awareness, particularly among women and children”.
She described the HPV vaccination as “an investment in their future health and empowerment” for the girl-child.
The Rivers State Coordinator of WHO, Prof. Giwa Abdulganiyu, praised the collaboration between RHI and the State Government.
The RHI Rivers State Coordinator, Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, reaffirmed the initiative’s goal of reducing the incidence of Measles and Rubella in the state.
He said: “These diseases have the potential to cause emergencies and great distress in families. Today’s flag-off represents our collective determination to raise awareness and prevent such tragedies.”
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to rally behind the nation’s girls, empowering them to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
In a message marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated globally on October 11, Mrs. Tinubu called for collective action to uplift girls and remove the barriers that hinder their progress.
“Let us come together to support our girls to reach their maximum potential,” she said, emphasizing that inclusive opportunities for girls were essential for national growth and sustainable development.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” the First Lady said the day serves as a reminder of the daily struggles faced by many girls across Nigeria and the world.
She acknowledged the courage of those who, despite daunting challenges, continue to pursue education, fetch water for their families, and endure displacement with dignity and hope.
“To every brave girl, striving to reach the classroom, walking miles for water, or carrying the quiet strength of displacement, you are seen, you are heard, and valued. Your courage lights the way to a brighter future,” Mrs. Tinubu stated.
She reaffirmed her commitment to championing initiatives that protect and empower girls, noting that every investment in their education, health, and safety translates into stronger families and a better society.
“Today, on International Day of the Girl Child, let us remember the daily struggle of our girls,” she said, calling on communities, families, and institutions to create safe spaces for girls to dream, learn, and lead.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday, officially flagged off the National Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction Integrated Campaign in Abuja, declaring the exercise a collective resolve to end vaccine-preventable childhood diseases and safeguard the nation’s future.
The First Lady described the flag-off as “a declaration of our collective resolve as a nation to say ‘No More’ to the diseases that steal the future of our sons and daughters.”
She said measles and rubella remain among the leading causes of blindness, disability, and child mortality, noting that rubella infections during pregnancy could lead to blindness, deafness, or congenital heart defects in unborn children.
She emphasised that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to guarantee every Nigerian child a healthy start in life and ensure that no mother dies while giving birth.
“A vaccine in a vial does not save a child. A vaccine in a clinic does not protect a community. Protection only becomes real when that vaccine is injected into the arm of a child,” she stressed, urging mothers to take their children for vaccination and fathers to support them.
Tinubu also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to dispel misinformation and encourage nationwide participation, noting their previous role in the success of the HPV vaccine rollout.
She reaffirmed her personal commitment to promoting vaccine uptake and pledged to mobilize State First Ladies, wives of Local Government Chairmen, and women’s groups to ensure no child is left unprotected.
She lauded the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners—WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Gates Foundation—for their partnership and dedication to Nigeria’s public health goals.
“With this vaccine, our children will be protected against two deadly diseases and enjoy a lifetime of safety and protection. These vaccines are safe, effective, and free,” she assured.
Declaring the campaign open, the First Lady said the exercise represents “a pathway to hope and a promise of progress,” praying for divine blessings on Nigerian children, mothers, and the nation.
The official flag-off of the campaign set in motion a nationwide drive expected to reach approximately 106 million children aged 9 months to under 15 years in two phases.
The campaign also integrates vaccination efforts against polio and the rollout of the HPV vaccine among adolescent girls, combining resources to optimize health impact.
Teachers across the globe were yesterday celebrated to mark the World Teachers Day. Every October 5 is set aside to celebrate them for the invaluable contributions they make towards moulding the minds of children.
This year’s celebration had “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” as its theme.
In Nigeria, First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Education Minister and state governors showered praises on teachers while advocating better remuneration, improved working conditions, and reforms to attract more young people into the profession
In her message, the First Lady described teachers as “true heroes” who shape minds, nurture dreams, and guide generations.
She eulogized educators across the country, acknowledging their invaluable role in nation-building and the future of humanity.
“Teachers are true heroes, shaping minds, nurturing dreams, and guiding generations,” she said.
Mrs. Tinubu noted that as a lifelong teacher herself, she holds deep respect for the profession and those who dedicate their lives to it.
The First Lady said the theme of this year’s celebration: “Focusing on the Global Teacher Shortage”, is a timely reminder of the urgent need to address the dwindling number of teachers worldwide.
She called for an urgent solution to the current teacher shortage, saying it is a challenge that must be confronted with seriousness.
Mrs. Tinubu noted that this would be achieved by empowering educators, investing in their professional development, and encouraging more young people to pursue teaching as a noble profession.
“The shortage of teachers is a challenge we must confront with urgency, by empowering educators, investing in their growth, and inspiring more to join this noble profession,” she stated.
Senator Tinubu, who praised teachers everywhere, urged Nigerians to recognise their efforts not just in classrooms but also in shaping the moral and intellectual foundation of society
“As a lifelong teacher myself, I salute you all on this special day. Happy World Teachers’ Day 2025,” Mrs. Tinubu added.
Federal Government seeks teachers’ collaboration
Calling for strengthened collaboration to deliver quality education, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, commended all stakeholders for the positive milestones achieved nationwide.
“I implore community leaders, teacher unions, parents, and development partners to strengthen their efforts so that together we can effectively deliver on the promises of the Education for Renewed Hope Agenda and the Education targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4),” the minister said the theme resonated with Nigeria’s education reform agenda.
“Our experience has shown that when teachers are supported to work together through peer mentoring, joint lesson planning, co-teaching, and the use of digital platforms, learning outcomes improve, and teachers themselves experience professional growth and fulfillment,” the minister said.
According to Alausa, the ministry has initiated policies to revitalise the teaching profession including the National Teacher Policy which ensures that teachers are professionally empowered and motivated.
He added: “Peer support structures are being encouraged at school and zonal levels nationwide. The sector is also leveraging ICT to connect teachers across states and provide access to global best practices.
“We have a robust continuous professional development opportunity through the Teachers Registration Council (TRCN) of Nigeria, National Teachers Institute (NTI) and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The current situation being that TRCN concentrates on licensing, monitoring compliance to standards, registration and regulating the teaching profession while NTI focus and sustain in-service teacher training and continuous professional development at the basic and post-basic levels.
“Teaching is often viewed as an individual practice, which can make some teachers resist collaboration for fear of interference or added workload. To address this, it is essential to build and sustain a culture of trust, openness, and shared responsibility.
“We must note that teachers shape all other professionals working behind closed classroom doors with little exchange of ideas, experiences, or support. Today, as education faces increasing demands and rapid change, the role of the teacher has evolved to become collaborative.
“A collaborative teacher understands that education is not an individual task but a shared responsibility. Such a teacher freely shares lesson plans, resources, and teaching strategies, while remaining humble enough to learn from others. They demonstrate strong communication skills while showing a willingness to build consensus even when opinions differ.
“Above all, they are committed to lifelong professional growth, both for their personal advancement and for the enrichment of the wider teaching community,” he said.
Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad said the ministry was strengthening teacher collaboration through initiatives such as the National Teacher Development Policy (2022), the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, and the promotion of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) across schools.
According to her, these efforts are in line with the government’s commitment to raising teacher quality, professional pride, and overall learning outcomes.
ASUSS applauds tuition free technical education
In its message, the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) praised the tuition-free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme as a model of effective partnership between policy and practice, commending the federal ministry not education for including ASUSS representatives in the expanded Governing Council of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
ASUSS President, Comrade Sola Adigun, also decried the failure of 16 states to implement the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022 despite court rulings.
Adigun recognised states like Ekiti and Bayelsa for pioneering tuition-free technical education, while applauding governments that respect teachers’ right to freely associate with ASUSS.
He called for collaboration by all stakeholders to save the country’s education sector, describing it as ‘ailing’.
He also highlighted challenges such as examination malpractice, poor welfare, decaying infrastructure, and insecurity in schools, noting the urgent need for unity in tackling them.
“Teaching has never been a job for lone rangers. The progress of a child is determined not by the teacher alone, but also by parents, policymakers, communities, and government. True collaboration gives teachers a voice in shaping the future of education,” he added.
He criticised the hurried implementation of the new 9-year Basic Education Curriculum without adequate teacher training or resources.
“Ambition without preparation breeds failure. Where are the trained teachers? Where are the teaching tools?” he asked.
Adigun called on states yet to establish Senior Secondary Education Boards to do so urgently, recruit more qualified teachers, and ensure teachers’ welfare is protected. He also renewed the demand for ASUSS’s trade union certificate, approved 17 years ago but still withheld.
He pledged that ASUSS will continue to support the TRCN registration policy, noting that professional certification enhances dignity and competence
Edo absorbs 4,000 volunteers, recruits 500 others
In Edo State, the government announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme, adding that 500 new educators would be employed to strengthen the state’s education system.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, made the announcement in Benin City, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Iyamu said the initiative reflected Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to rewarding dedication and addressing the shortage of teachers in public schools. He explained that letters of appointment would be presented to the 4,000 EdoStar volunteer teachers on October 15, marking the end of their three-year probation period.
The commissioner added that the absorption of volunteer teachers and recruitment of 500 more would bridge the manpower gap in schools across the state.
“Even an apprentice does not train for three years without confirmation,” he said, adding that the appointments would be officially handed out at a ceremony in Government House.
Iyamu also revealed that the government had built over 68 schools in less than a year and trained more than 6,000 teachers in digital and technical skills, including robotics and artificial intelligence, to improve classroom delivery. “When we build schools without teachers, they are just empty buildings. We are investing in people who will shape our children’s future,” he noted.
He further announced that the government had institutionalised a Teachers’ Fitness Day to be marked every October 4 to promote teachers’ well-being, as well as a Best Teacher Award for outstanding performance to be held annually on November 25.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Edo Wing, Bernard Ajobiewe, commended the government for implementing the N75,000 minimum wage, promoting teachers, and renovating schools. He, however, called for more teachers to be deployed to rural areas where shortages are most severe.
Ajobiewe expressed concern over the poor state of infrastructure in many rural schools and urged the government to ensure the payment of accrued financial benefits for promoted teachers. He also opposed the proposed return of schools to missionaries, warning that it could lead to inequities and limit access for children from marginalised backgrounds.
Chairperson of SUBEB, Mrs. Ebanehita Omonzane, praised teachers for their patience and integrity, describing them as true nation builders.
Taraba teachers demand career rise to Grade Level 17
In Taraba State, teachers demanded career progression to Grade Level 17 (Permanent Secretaries) as applicable to their colleagues in the civil service.
State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers {NUT), Comrade Solomon Nathan, who made the call while speaking on the theme: “Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow”, noted the need for their service and commitment to be recognised.
“Let qualified teachers be considered and appointed as Permanent Secretaries in the state, just as it is done in other sectors, because teachers too have the capacity and experience to lead at the highest administrative levels,” he said.
He commended the governor for providing welfare for teachers but emphasised the need to prioritise education through better learning condition, recruitment of more qualified teachers and upskilling of existing ones through retraining..
In her speech, the State Commissioner of Education, Dr Augustina Yahaya. who represented Governor Agbu Kefas, assured the teachers that their welfare remains a priority to the government. She added that the government was investing on infrastructure in the schools.
Yahaya said: “The issue of implementing your promotion remains a burden in our hearts. We are here to prioritize the welfare of teachers.
“We are building new schools. NUT, SUBEB and the Post Primary Schools Board; let us sit down and see how teachers can reach the level of Permanent Secretary. This is an education and teacher friendly governor”.
Radda praisesKatsina teachers’ resilience
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, commended teachers in the state for their resilience and professionalism.
He described them as the cornerstone of educational development and nation-building, whose dedication and sacrifices continue to shape the future of the state and country.
The governor said: “Teaching is not a solitary endeavor. It thrives on collaboration, mutual support and the collective commitment of all stakeholders to create enabling environments where our children can learn and excel.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting collaborative teaching approaches through continuous professional development, modern infrastructure, digital learning tools, and platforms that encourage peer learning and knowledge sharing among teachers.
‘We’re committed to teachers welfare’
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to teachers’ welfare,
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, emphasized that the timely payment of salaries, entitlements, and other benefits remains a top priority.
Sule spoke through the Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Kassim Muh’d, in Lafia, hailing teachers as role models and builders of future leaders. He urged them to uphold professionalism, discipline, and moral integrity while embracing continuous self-improvement and effective lesson delivery.
Dr. Kassim also unveiled a new initiative tagged the “A.A. Sule Leave No Child Behind Project,” aimed at expanding access to quality basic education and ensuring that every child of school age in the state is enrolled and learning.
Cash gifts for two outstanding public school teachers in Lagos
To mark the day, a consumer finance company, Page Financials, celebrated two public school teachers whose commitment to their calling inspire hope and transformation in the country’s education sector against the odds.
Through a public nomination campaign, the company identified two deserving educators, Mrs. Ipinlola Olaiya of Ago Iwoye Methodist Primary School, Ebute Meta, and Mr. Fashina of Anglican Comprehensive High School, Ipaja. Each received a N100,000 cash gift during surprise visits to their respective schools.
Mrs. Olaiya, who began her teaching career in 1991, became emotional as she received the award, noting that she had been “trusting God for financial support.” Her humility and long service moved both colleagues and Page Financials’ representatives present at the event.
At Anglican Comprehensive High School, Creative Arts teacher, Fashina, who has taught for over 24 years, reacted with disbelief and gratitude, shouting “Jesus!” upon learning he was one of the recipients. He revealed that his mobility aid had broken down, and the gift came at a time of great personal need.
The school’s principal, Venerable Adeniji, praised the company’s gesture, describing Fashina as “a teacher who has won Best Teacher of the Year in the school more than twice; a true role model.” He added that such recognition motivates teachers to remain passionate about their work.
Ola Moses, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Page Financials, said the initiative aligned with the company’s mission to empower everyday heroes. “Teachers build the foundation of our society, yet their sacrifices often go unnoticed. At Page, we’re committed to celebrating and empowering those who empower others,” he stated.
Kosofe LG reaffirms commitment to teachers’ welfare
Teachers were also celebrated by the chairman, Kosofe LGA of Lagos State, Moyosore Ogunlewe, who pledged his administration’s resolve to prioritise their welfare and professional development. He pledged continued support through conducive learning environments, adequate resources, and progressive policies.
Ogunlewe commended teachers’ collaboration with colleagues, parents, and communities, noting that teamwork and shared expertise are vital for transforming education and ensuring sustained excellence in Kosofe.
•Mrs Tinubu ‘s commitment to the abandoned National Library project deserves commendation, not condemnation
In the run-up to her 65th birthday on September 21, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, requested that all those who planned to congratulate her through media adverts, send gifts or organise parties on her behalf should channel the funds earmarked for such activities to a special fund established to facilitate the completion of the Headquarters of the National Library in Abuja.
Tagged the “Oluremi @ 65 Education Fund”, the account is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Education and has as its signatories the Minister of Education and the Chief Librarian of the Federation.
That the sum of N20.7 billion had been realised in the account within a short interval is a reflection of the high esteem in which the First Lady is held and illustrative of the fact that a person does not have to hold formal office to contribute concretely to national development.
The calibre of those who contributed to the rescue fund for the completion of the National Library, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and his wife, governors and their wives, ministers, state and national legislators, heads of government departments and agencies and titans of the private sector, among others, could only have been mobilised for this effort by a person of the caliber of Senator Tinubu.
The idea of utilising the opportunity of her birthday for the completion of the National Library project shows a very thoughtful disposition on the part of Mrs Tinubu and her advisers.
For, the project which ought to be a critical national legacy had been uncompleted since it was first conceived by the government of President Shehu Shagari in 1981. The actual construction which started in 2006 was awarded at a cost of N8.5 billion and was scheduled for completion within two years.
As at 2023, unfortunately, the project was only at 44% rate of progress and the cost had escalated to nearly N120 billion. This is thus another regrettable example of how delays in project execution compound costs, to the detriment of the public interest.
It is thus not surprising that the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has commended Mrs Tinubu’s vision and patriotic spirit. We agree with the body that the initiative is “a visionary act that turned a personal celebration into national call to action”.
The NLA was certainly spot on when it described Mrs Tinubu’s gesture as reflecting a deep commitment to education and the recognition of the central role a modern National Library plays in nation-building.
The First Lady’s life demonstrates a consistent love for education.
As the First Lady of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, her pet project, the New Era Foundation sponsored different activities to promote education among the youths. One of the most prominent of these was the Spelling Bee Competition which saw winners emerging as governor of Lagos State for one day. Many of the successful participants have gone on to achieve enviable attainments in life.
It is unfortunate that some critics have sought to demean and ridicule Mrs Tinubu’s philanthropic gesture towards the completion of the library project by arguing that public funds should have been utilised for the purpose rather than a private fundraising initiative.
This is mischievous and misleading. However, responding to such cynical views, the First Lady stressed that the initiative had no political undertones whatsoever. In her words, “This is not the first time I have raised funds for causes close to my heart. For my 45th birthday, I raised N50 million to complete the National Sickle Cell Foundation Centre, which has since become fully operational. For my 50th birthday, I raised N200 million for the New Era Foundation…I even donated to the post-war rebuilding of schools in Liberia”.
The First Lady has shown a stellar example which other eminent citizens should emulate. Apart from the National Library, for instance, the various states and local government areas also require community libraries which wealthy private individuals can support financially, especially in the face of acute insufficiency of public funds to meet the many challenges of providing public infrastructure in diverse sectors.
The First Lady of Nigeria and wife of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday, empowered 500 women in Edo State with N50,000 each under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The empowerment programme, conducted in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, took place in Benin City.
Speaking during the presentation of the cash grants to beneficiaries, Senator Tinubu said the initiative was designed to strengthen existing businesses and enhance the economic resilience of Nigerian women.
Represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpeholo Anani, Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grant to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
“This is not a loan; it is a grant – a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalise your existing businesses. It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation.
“The Tony Elumelu Foundation generously donated N1 billion to the Renewed Hope Initiative to fund the empowerment of 18,500 across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Each state, including the FCT, will have 500 women beneficiaries, each receiving N50,000 to support and expand their small businesses”.
On her part, Anani thanked the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its commitment to women’s economic advancement.
“May this act of generosity inspire many more across our nation,” she said.
She also extended her appreciation to the governor, Monday Okpeholo, and Senator Tinubu for their unwavering support in executing RHI programmes in the state.
One of the Beneficiaries, Otaru Patience, said the grant would help boost her business.
Another beneficiary, Adesuwa Obasogie, called for the money to be increased in the face of the current economic reality of the country.
Those present included Chairperson, National Council of Women Society Edo State Chapter, Taiwo Inumidune, Special Adviser, Sustainable Development Goals SDG, Mrs Barbara Omozele Agbebaku, and Director, Control & Immunisation, Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Eseigbe Eromon.
