First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has extended significant support to Niger State through her Renewed Hope Initiative, delivering a ₦1 billion donation alongside truckloads of relief materials to aid individuals affected by various crises across the state.
During her visit to the Government House in Minna, the First Lady emphasized that the initiative’s gesture is rooted in a mission to help rebuild lives and restore hope to communities shattered by natural disasters and violent attacks. The support includes 2,000 bags of 50kg rice, 16,000 wrappers for women, clothing items, and over 100 pairs of shoes, all meant for residents who have endured hardships caused by flooding, boat mishaps, fire incidents, and bandit attacks.
While addressing government officials and dignitaries during the visit, Senator Tinubu stressed the need for unity and compassion in supporting distressed communities. “We understand these are difficult times for many families,” she stated, extending heartfelt sympathy to those grieving and displaced. “But we pray that God comforts the bereaved, heals the injured, and strengthens the displaced. As a mother, I share in your grief and pain. Together, we can bring hope and relief to these communities.”
She paid particular attention to the tragedy in Mokwa, where recent floods led to a significant loss of life and displacement of residents. She also mourned the victims of boat accidents and victims of insecurity-related crises in the region. Remi Tinubu further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for acting swiftly to approve emergency aid, including food relief and financial assistance for reconstructing homes destroyed in the Mokwa flood.
The First Lady lauded Governor Umaru Bago for his immediate reaction to the crises, describing him as a leader who has proven himself to be deeply concerned and responsive. “Compassionate and committed,” she said, capturing the governor’s visible dedication to restoring normalcy.
Governor Bago, in response, expressed sincere appreciation for the intervention, describing it as a major boost to the state’s disaster recovery efforts. He highlighted Niger State’s vulnerability due to its status as the only riverine state in the northern region, home to four hydroelectric dams and two major waterfalls. This geography, he noted, makes the state prone to disasters such as floods and boat accidents.
“We have faced multiple challenges—from floods to insurgency and boat mishaps. But with support like this, we are confident in our recovery efforts,” Governor Bago said. He revealed that the ₦1 billion has already been deposited into the state’s emergency relief account and assured the public that it will be spent transparently and directly on the affected victims.
The governor also used the occasion to affirm the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, citing his performance and the goodwill gestures driven by his wife as proof of responsive governance. He prayed that God replenishes all that the First Lady has given to the people of Niger.
What you should know
Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady and Chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative, said the intervention was to “bring hope and relief” to communities in Niger State affected by recent disasters.
