In a show of support and solidarity, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, has visited Niger State to console the victims of recent tragedies and offer financial assistance.
During her visit, she met with Governor Umaru Bago and the people of the state, extending her condolences for the flooding, a boat accident, a fire, and ongoing banditry attacks.
Mrs Tinubu, who is also the chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), emphasised that “the strength of a nation lies in its compassion.”
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She noted the devastating flood in Mokwa, which reportedly left 159 people dead, displaced over 3,000 residents, and destroyed more than 400 homes.
To aid in the recovery, she announced that the RHI would donate N1 billion to support rebuilding efforts, along with relief materials including 2,000 bags of 50kg rice, clothing, and shoes.
“As a mother, I share your pain and grief over this irreplaceable loss and devastation,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu stated that the funds are intended to provide housing and essential supplies to help affected families rebuild their lives, in line with the RHI’s motto of “Towards a Better Life for Families.”
Mrs Tinubu’s visit also marked the launch of a new women’s empowerment programme in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
Mrs Tinubu explained that the initiative, a grant-based program, aims to support women traders and small-scale business owners.
She announced that the Tony Elumelu Foundation had donated N1 billion to the RHI to provide N50,000 grants to 18,500 women across Nigeria, with 500 women in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory benefiting.
“This is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalize your existing businesses,” she stated, adding that empowering women empowers entire communities.
Concluding her trip, Mrs Tinubu paid courtesy visits to two former heads of state, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalam Abubakar, to pay her respects.
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However, Bago expressed his gratitude to Mrs Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Initiative for their timely intervention.
He promised that the donations would be used to bring joy and hope back to the victims.
