Nigeria’s First lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has paid a visit to Plateau State in North Central Nigeria, where she made a One Billion donation for the vulnerable and Internally displaced persons under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She however, appealed for peace, unity, and security in the region as she addressed a packed hall of stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security chiefs and women groups in Jos the State Capital.
The President’s wife stated that her visit was inspired by her deep emotional connection to the people of Plateau and a personal burden to see lasting peace in the state.
“I came here today not just with money, but with a mother’s heart. This will be the last time I will visit Plateau to respond to violence. My prayer is that from now on, it shall only be for progress,” Mrs. Tinubu said.
Referencing the recent re-adoption of Nigeria’s former national anthem, she called on citizens to reflect on the legacy being left behind for future generations.
“I want to appeal to the men of Plateau. Women do not fight. We do not carry arms. But we are asking you to protect us and our children. We as officeholders will come and go, but you will remain.
Please, protect and preserve this land and ensure that our children can live in peace and grow up without fear. What legacy do you want to leave behind? And to the traditional rulers please take up your role as custodians of peace,” she urged.
The First Lady emphasised that the One billion donation was not from government funds but personally sourced through her Renewed Hope Initiative, a charitable platform aimed at uplifting the vulnerable and supporting community development across Nigeria.
“Please understand that the money I have for this initiative is not government funds. It is money I have personally raised to help others. As I continue to travel and see the impact of our work, I ask for your prayers as we seek to make a lasting change. my goal is to use the resources I have for good, for the development of this country, not to waste it,” she said.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in his welcome remarks, described the First Lady as a mother of the nation” and praised her dedication to humanitarian causes, especially her commitment to the displaced and underprivileged. He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to unite Plateau State and end decades of violence.
“We are doing our best to fulfill our promise to unite Plateau as one people. Your presence here today gives us renewed strength to forge ahead when I was elected, I promised the people of Plateau that I would provide leadership that would unite us as one people. By the grace of God, we are doing our best to fulfill that promise. We’re not there yet, but I am confident that, with God’s help, we will get there.
Governor said listening to the voices of important people like our mother will surely give us the drive and the strength to lay aside our differences and forge ahead as one united people.
Vice President’s wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the scope of the Renewed Hope Initiative. She announced plans to expand food outreach programs, distribute ₦200,000 grants to 250 persons with disabilities in each state, and introduce sanitary pad support and environmental clubs in schools.
In their good will messages the Emir of Wasi, HRH Mohammed Sambu Haruna, welcomed the First Lady on behalf of Plateau’s Muslim community, expressing gratitude and hopeful anticipation for more collaborations. President of the Church of Christ in Nations, Dr. Amos Muzo, also offered prayers and blessings, pledging continued support from the Christian community.
The event marked a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to rebuild peace and foster development in Plateau State. With prayers, pledges, and powerful words, stakeholders left the venue with a renewed sense of responsibility and hope.
Lateefah Ibrahim