First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has warned that the erosion of family values is worsening insecurity and social vices across Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening of Exercise Haske Biyu 2025 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna State, on Monday, Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, urged families to reclaim their role as the foundation of society.
Addressing the theme “Family and National Security,” the First Lady cautioned that many parents, overwhelmed by the struggle for survival, have abandoned their duty of raising children, leaving them vulnerable to cultism, drug abuse, prostitution, and extremism.
“This parental absence creates a void which often gets filled by bad company and destructive behaviour. The outcome is not only catastrophic for families but also dangerous for national security,” she warned.
Tinubu stressed that strong families build a strong nation, urging parents, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to reinforce positive values and strengthen moral foundations.
She further assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is prioritising family welfare, citing the Conditional Cash Transfer programme that will deliver N25,000 in three tranches to 15 million vulnerable households.
Her Renewed Hope Initiative, she added, will complement government interventions to uplift families and promote national stability.
Declaring the three-week training open, she charged participants to leave the exercise stronger, more united, and mindful of their duty to family and country.
Earlier, AFCSC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Idris Alhaji, described ‘Exercise Haske Biyu’ as a multi-agency initiative designed to strengthen collaboration against insecurity.
Running from September 15 to October 3, the programme features lectures, operational planning, field demonstrations, and a “Day in the Life of a Soldier” segment for civilian participants, all centred on the reminder that “the battle against insecurity begins at home.”
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 gave the charge yesterday 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.
“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.
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has continued to make progress in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, former Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State governor on Christian Religion Matters, Dr. Sam Ogedengbe, has said.
He said she did this with programmes that cut across the six geopolitical zones, touching millions of lives.
Ogedengbe, who spoke at an empowerment programme in Lagos, said the First Lady recently gave small-scale business owners, artisans and traders tools, materials and start-up support to strengthen their enterprises.
He said: ‘’Through her Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady has redefined the role of her office, building a legacy of empowerment and inclusiveness that observers say is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria’s first ladies.’’
Ogedengbe noted that beneficiaries lauded the intervention, describing it as a lifeline for families struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
He said: “Senator Tinubu’s initiatives also extend to scholarships for indigent students, health outreach for women and children, support for persons living with disabilities and entrepreneurship training for youths. These interventions, spread across regions, have been designed to reduce poverty, improve household income and promote self-reliance.
‘’In addition, the First Lady has aligned her projects with Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSA-SDGs), Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, to ensure RHI complements Nigeria’s pursuit of United Nations’ SDGs.”
He said the First Lady’s impact reflected not only her compassion, but also her commitment to good governance.
He noted that by empowering women, youths and small businesses, Senator Tinubu was laying a solid foundation for sustainable social and economic development.
He said with her far-reaching programmes and commitment to inclusivity, the First Lady was being credited with transforming the Office of the First Lady from a ceremonial role into a platform for national impact.
‘’Many believe her visible support for the President’s agenda strengthens public confidence in the administration and bolsters prospects for continuity in governance,’’ Ogedengbe added.
We must pause to commend the thoughtful initiative of the wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who has chosen to mark her forthcoming birthday on the 21st of September, 2025, by planning to establish The Federal Government Library.
This is not a woman thinking only of herself or her immediate world, but one who understands the weight of legacy,choosing to build a house of knowledge that will impact generations. In a time when personal celebrations are often centered on self, this is a refreshing and visionary gift to the nation.
From the beginning of history, societies that valued knowledge built libraries. Egypt was once held in global esteem for her thirst for wisdom and careful preservation of discoveries. Sadly, when the great library was burned down during Cleopatra’s era, an irreplaceable wealth of records was lost. The Greeks too left behind writings,some factual, some mythical,but the common thread is this: knowledge, whether to guide or to correct, must be stored.
In our dear Nigeria, many brilliant individuals have written works that deserve to be preserved, both in hard copy and in electronic libraries, for the sake of future generations. Yet, how much of this treasure has been archived? Too little. Too much is slipping away.
Today, reading culture is fading. If not for academic requirements, many students would hardly pick up a book, be it hard copy or soft copy. The truth is, whether printed or digital, reading requires the same discipline and willingness. We must revive that hunger for knowledge.
Why? At the root of almost every challenge we face, what we see is not simply a lack of resources but a gap in knowledge,and when knowledge is missing, solutions remain hidden.
This is why we must all rise above sentiment, sectionalism and political divides to embrace this initiative by the First Lady. Why should we not support what will put Nigeria on the global map in such a noble way? Why should we not celebrate a vision that calls our nation back to the value of wisdom?
Just as we admire the libraries in the United States and across the world, we can have a center of knowledge here at home,something that reflects the greatness we often talk about but rarely build.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s plan is more than a birthday project; it is a call for a mental shift. It is a reminder that when we invest in knowledge, we invest in the future…and Nigeria, more than ever, needs such investments.
And beyond the preservation of knowledge, this initiative has another silent but powerful advantage,it will create opportunities. A library is not just a building; it is a world of its own. It will require librarians, researchers, archivists, IT experts, maintenance staff, administrative officers, and many more. In other words, it will generate jobs, empower families, and contribute to our economy while enriching our minds.
Therefore, supporting this vision is not merely about applauding the First Lady’s initiative, it is about recognizing the ripple effect of development that such a project will bring.
• Senator Tinubu inaugurates TB diagnostic machines in Abuja
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said literacy lays a solid foundation on which national progress thrives.
She noted that “a literate population is the foundation of boundless opportunities”.
In her message to yesterday’s celebration of this year’s International Literacy Day, celebrated on Monday, Mrs. Tinubu emphasised that literacy in today’s world includes digital skills.
She described this year’s theme: Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era, as a challenge to empower the youth, women, and the underprivileged to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment.
“As a lifelong educationist, I believe a literate population is the foundation of boundless opportunities, and in today’s world it must include digital skills,” Senator Tinubu stated.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work collectively to bridge the digital exclusion gap, stressing that inclusivity in access to knowledge would open doors to a brighter and more prosperous future for all citizens.
“When we as a people work together, we can close the gap of digital exclusion and open doors to a brighter, inclusive future for all Nigerians,” she said.
Mrs. Tinubu wished Nigerians a happy International Literacy Day, urging a continuous commitment to learning and knowledge acquisition as tools for empowerment and national development.
Also, Mrs. Tinubu has reiterated her commitment to eliminating tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria by 2030.
She sought increased domestic funding and collaboration to achieve the goal.
Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Kwara State governor and Matron of the Northern Governors’ Wives Forum, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, spoke during the inauguration of new molecular diagnostic machines in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The diagnostic machines, procured under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), are aimed at improving the timely detection and treatment of tuberculosis, especially in underserved communities across Nigeria.
The First Lady said: “I am pleased to say again that this pledge has been translated into reality.
“Tuberculosis is curable, but far too many Nigerians are still dying from TB—not because there is no technology to detect the disease, but because access to diagnostic tools is limited.”
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 yesterday, 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.
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.
Long before she became Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, CON, was already known for her passion for the betterment of vulnerable persons (especially women, children, the elderly and people with disability) as well as marginalized communities across the country. As a teacher, then as First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, as a member of the Nigerian Senate for three consecutive terms (representing the Lagos Central senatorial district), and as a Deaconess in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, she embarked on so many pet projects and empowerment programmes that it was hard to keep track of them all. Her tireless efforts in addressing the needs of women and children seemed to know no bounds.
Today, as the wife of Nigeria’s President, her activities are mostly encapsulated in the mandate of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a programme designed to bring succour and relief to families across the nation, as well as promote food security and entrepreneurial support and facilitation.
As the RHI’s interventions build momentum all over the country, they have gained the buy-in of critical stakeholders (and especially the financial backing of corporate organizations with a history of putting their money where their mouths are). In the past 16 months or so, the contributions of these bodies – such as the Abdul-Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and countless others who choose to remain anonymous for now, have accounted for a significant share of the estimated N9.4bn so far expended by the RHI on its interventions.
As she marks her 65th birthday, it is no wonder that Sen. Tinubu is being celebrated with such an outpouring of affection by her compatriots – from the high and mighty in the land, to the humble beneficiaries of her selfless philanthropy in the nooks and crannies of Nigeria – for her kindness, her advocacy for social justice, and her commitment to the enhancement of Nigeria’s Human Development Index.
Not least of her attributes is her emotional intelligence – and no one has benefitted more from this quality of hers than her beloved husband. Last year, on the occasion of her 64th birthday, President Bola Tinubu paid a heartfelt tribute, describing his wife as “my rock, confidante, greatest supporter, and the love of my life.” These words encapsulate the essence of Sen. Tinubu’s remarkable character and her indispensable role in the President’s life. More than just a partner, Remi Tinubu, affectionately called ‘The Rock’ has been a symbol of hope, compassion, and kindness. Her selfless nature and generosity of spirit have endeared her to countless individuals, from the staff at Bourdillon (the President’s Lagos residence) to supporters of the Tinubu presidency. Her thoughtful gestures, often accompanied by substantial gifts, have brought joy and reassurance to those who would otherwise feel forgotten. Sen. Tinubu’s remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life has earned her the admiration of many, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who refers to her as “my daughter, in whom I am well pleased.” This heartfelt endorsement speaks volumes about her exceptional character and the high esteem in which she is held.
From all indications, she’s not slowing down yet at 65; if anything, the encomiums and accolades she is receiving on this happy milestone will spur her to greater involvement towards the actualization of the RHI’s mandate as a component of her husband’s Renewed Hope Agenda – which, in spite of socio-economic headwinds, is committed to enhancing the standard of living and quality of life of the Nigerian people. Since its launch in mid-2023, the RHI has offered help and support to all manner of beneficiaries – from families affected by flooding in Abuja; to victims of insecurity and flooding in Borno State, and families of fallen servicemen. Over the last two years, RHI has bestowed scholarships; launched digital literacy initiatives; delivered N1m each to 500 displaced families in Plateau State; allocated N1.9bn to the welfare of the elderly persons across 36 states and the FCT; distributed N50m in grants to 1,000 female petty traders as part of a larger plan to empower 37,000 women petty traders nationwide; presented N70m to 140 women farmers in the North-West; pledged N1bn to eradicate tuberculosis by 2030; distributed food and money to Christian communities in the 19 northern states for Christmas and New Year festivities; and donated N100m to families affected by a tanker explosion in Niger State, among many other interventions.
Keem Abdul
Throughout her public engagements, the First Lady has never hidden her special love for the state of Lagos, and the occasion of her 65th birthday provided a welcome opportunity to reiterate that commitment anew. During her 3-day visit to the state to mark the occasion, she launched a number of impact legacy projects – beginning with the aforementioned RHI Food Outreach Scheme, whose impact on households in the state, according to the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aligned squarely with the THEMES+ agenda of his administration, with its emphasis on social inclusion, health, and economic empowerment especially at the grassroots.
Among the highlights of Sen. Tinubu’s engagements in Lagos was the official launch of the state-of-the-art Remi Tinubu Industrial Leather Hub, a game-changing investment capable of transforming Lagos State into a global leader in leather production and innovation. Situated in the Matori axis of Mushin, the hub is projected to generate more than $250m annually in export turnover, create 10,000 direct jobs, and provide training and start-up support for over 150,000 artisans across the state. Equipped with cutting-edge machinery for the mass production of a variety of finished leathers goods, the facility aims to drive local wealth-creation while projecting Nigerian craftsmanship on the world stage – goals which align with the objectives of the RHI, as well as the Tinubu Administration’s developmental priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), namely, to unlock potential, foster economic independence, and create opportunities for women and young people to thrive.
As we mark the 65th birthday of Sen. Remi Tinubu ‘The Rock,’ we pay tribute to a woman whose unwavering support and unconditional love have been the bedrock of President Tinubu’s success, and made a profound impact on his life and that of the nation as a whole. Remi Tinubu is indeed a rare gem, a true matriarch, and a shining example of the transformative power of love and compassion.
Happy 65th birthday, dear Mother of the Nation. May this special day mark the beginning of another year filled with joy, love, and continued service to humanity.
* Keem Abdul, a public relations guru, publisher and writer, hails from Lagos. He can be reached via +2349046303816 or Akeemabdul2023@gmail.com
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the weekend empowered 500 women in Ekiti State with business equipment, to boost their economic independence under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The distribution, held at Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado- Ekiti, featured the presentation of deep freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, industrial grinding machines and generators to beneficiaries carefully selected from the 16 local government areas of the state.
Represented by the wife of the governor of Ekiti State and RHI State Coordinator, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Senator Tinubu said the programme was part of her vision to empower women across the country with the tools needed to enhance their businesses and create sustainable sources of income.
She said the empowerment drive was being held simultaneously in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states, with 500 women targeted in each.
She said the initiative, which began in February in Abuja, had reached thousands of women in the Northcentral and Southsouth, and would eventually benefit 18,500 women nationwide across the six geopolitical zones.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, represented by the Assistant Director, Policy and Strategy, Dr. Yahaya Umar, urged the beneficiaries to use the empowerment tools as a stepping stone toward financial independence and sustainable livelihood.
She said research had shown that women entrepreneurs played critical roles in poverty reduction, employment generation and family welfare, thereby contributing to economic growth.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye; Commissioner for Trade and Investment Mrs. Omotayo Adeola; and former Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs. Peju Babafemi lauded the initiative as a deliberate step toward unlocking the potential of women, fostering self-reliance and creating economic opportunities at the grassroots level.
They said the programme would not only uplift individual households, but also contribute to the larger goal of driving local economic development and reducing unemployment in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the women expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu, Office of the SDGs and Ekiti State Government, pledging to utilise the items. They described the gesture as timely, especially in the face of current economic challenges, and said the support would enable them to expand their businesses and provide better for their families.
The Renewed Hope Initiative is one of the flagship programmes of Senator Tinubu, designed to complement the Federal Government’s policies on poverty alleviation, women empowerment and sustainable development.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on beneficiaries of her empowerment programme in Ondo State to view the support as an opportunity for self-sustenance and business expansion rather than quick financial gain.
Through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Mrs Tinubu distributed items such as deep freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines to 500 women across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Speaking at the event held at the Arcade Ground in Akure, the First Lady, represented by Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, wife of the Ondo State Governor, highlighted the vital role women play in Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
She noted that the programme, now in its second phase in Ondo, is aimed at reducing poverty, promoting entrepreneurship, and boosting women-owned businesses.
“We will follow up to ensure these items are properly utilized. Please, don’t sell them,” she warned.
Mrs Tinubu explained that the initiative targets 18,500 women nationwide across the six geopolitical zones, with the goal of building a more inclusive and progressive society.
Also speaking, Mrs Adejoke Adefulure, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), described the programme as a bold step towards unlocking women’s economic potential.
Represented by Dr Ifeyinwa Nnamchi-Ukaegbu, she praised Mrs Tinubu’s commitment to empowering women and fostering economic transformation across Nigeria.
“I can see the joy on the faces of the beneficiaries. I express my profound appreciation to Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu, for her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to improve the lives of women across Nigeria.
“The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Sustainable Development Goals remain resolute in our commitment to women’s economic empowerment as a key driver to sustainable development. This initiative directly aligned with Goal1of SDGs.
“These investments reflect our firm belief that when a woman is empowered, a home is built, a community is strengthened, and a nation prospers.”
She stressed that the program is not just about distributing empowerment items, rather, unlocking potentials, fostering economic independence, and creating priority for women’s dreams.
Remarking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye said the bold economic empowerment of the First Lady would make the women more
economically viable, independent, and also make them fulfil their potential.
She explained that the empowerment is unprecedented, noting that women at the grassroots are now directly benefiting from national opportunities from through the gesture of President Bola Tinubu.
“For this, we appreciate Her Excellency for this bold initiative. We want to assure you that with this empowerment, poverty is a thing of the past for this 500 women in our dear state,” Osamaye added.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has extended her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) food outreach to Lagos, distributing essential food items to vulnerable families and persons living with disabilities.
Represented by Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, the First Lady also announced plans for new nationwide projects to support the elderly.
According to a statement on Saturday by Special Assistant to the President on Media and ICT, Office of the Vice President, Kwapchi Bata Hamman, she said the outreach was designed to ease the burden on the most vulnerable members of society.
“This Food Outreach Scheme under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)’s Social Investment Scope was launched in March 2024 to provide food items to Persons with Disabilities and other vulnerable groups in order to support their families,” she explained.
The programme is funded by the Abdul-Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR) and an anonymous donor.
Each month, the donors supply two truckloads of food items to two states.
While 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have already benefited, Lagos became the latest beneficiary through the contribution of the anonymous donor.
Bayelsa and Sokoto have been named as the next states to benefit.
Senator Tinubu also highlighted other RHI initiatives, including the SDG/Renewed Hope Initiative Women Empowerment Programme for the South-West, which provides freezers, cookers, ovens, and generators for small businesses, and the RHI/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme.
Backed by a N1 billion fund, the scheme will provide N50,000 each to 500 women in every state and the FCT.
She further revealed that the initiative would soon launch projects to support the elderly and more persons with disabilities, while also rolling out “Flow with Confidence,” a programme to provide a year’s supply of sanitary pads to 370,000 schoolgirls nationwide.
“Our goal at RHI is to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which aims to support all Nigerians to thrive and achieve their goals irrespective of their condition or status,” the First Lady stated.
Receiving the food items on behalf of beneficiaries, Lagos First Lady Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu described the intervention as timely and deeply appreciated.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also commended the initiative, noting that its direct impact on communities aligns with his administration’s THEMES+ agenda, which emphasizes social inclusion, health, and grassroots economic empowerment.
Beneficiaries included struggling families as well as persons living with disabilities, among them the blind and the deaf, who expressed gratitude for the relief.
