Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, today, paid a condolence visit to Niger State following a series of devastating incidents that have rocked the state, including flooding, fire outbreaks, a boat accident, and banditry attacks.
During her visit, the First Lady met with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and sympathised with the people of Niger State, particularly the victims of the recent flood in Mokwa town, which claimed over 159 lives, destroyed more than 400 homes, and displaced over 3,000 people.
Describing the disasters as “most unfortunate,” Senator Tinubu said her visit was a show of solidarity and compassion adding, “The strength of a nation lies in its compassion, and in moments like this, everyone must rise to the occasion to be their brother’s keeper.”
In a move to support rebuilding efforts, the First Lady, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), announced a donation of ₦1 billion to Niger State.
She also presented relief materials, including clothes, shoes, and 2,000 bags of 50kg rice, to aid displaced families.
“The funds will be directed towards housing support and essential supplies to help displaced families get back on their feet, earning daily living and having a better life. This is in line with the objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative, as contained in our motto, Towards a Better Life for Families,” she said.
Governor Bago expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, noting that the First Lady has consistently offered hope to communities in distress through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
He assured that the funds and materials will be deployed purposefully to restore joy to affected families.
Also during the visit, Senator Tinubu flagged off the RHI/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Empowerment Program in the state.
The initiative targets 18,500 women across Nigeria, with 500 women from each of the 36 states and the FCT set to receive ₦50,000 each as non-repayable grants to support and recapitalize their small businesses.
“This is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope… It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation,” she stressed.
She thanked the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its ₦1 billion donation to the Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed specifically at economic empowerment for women.
To conclude her visit, the First Lady also paid courtesy visits to two former Nigerian Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who are both residents of the state.
