Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated ₦1 billion through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to support victims of recent violent attacks in Plateau State. The donation is part of her humanitarian outreach to communities affected by killings and displacement across the region.
Mrs. Tinubu made the donation during her visit to Plateau State on Thursday 3rd July, where she met with state officials, victims, and community stakeholders. She was warmly received at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos by Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other senior government figures before proceeding to the Government House.
While addressing a gathering of stakeholders, displaced persons, and government officials, the First Lady expressed deep sorrow over the tragic events that have affected many families in the state.
“My heart bleeds as a mother beholding orphans and widows as refugees in their own communities,” she said, visibly emotional. “This visit is one filled with mixed emotions for me. I came here first as a mother whose heart bleeds each time I hear about killings, violence, or bloodshed.”
In addition to the financial support, Mrs. Tinubu also donated 1,800 bags of 50kg rice to help alleviate the food needs of the affected communities.
She emphasized the need for peace and called on men and community leaders to rise up in defense of women and children. “We women don’t fight. Women don’t carry arms. So, we came here to appeal to the men. Do something to protect us. Women want to farm. Do whatever it takes to protect them,” she urged.
The First Lady stressed that violence must never be used as a means to achieve anything, describing such actions as “evil and unfortunate.” She prayed for healing and restoration in the affected communities and expressed hope that her visit would mark a turning point for Plateau State.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang thanked the First Lady for her compassion and generosity, describing the intervention as “timely and impactful.” He pledged that every naira donated would be used transparently and for the benefit of the victims.
“We are committed to restoring peace in Plateau State. We will ensure that no part of these donations is diverted. It will go directly to support those who have suffered from these senseless attacks,” Governor Mutfwang assured.
Dignitaries who accompanied the First Lady included the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Abbas; wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila; and former Senator representing Plateau South, Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut.
Also present were the wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Laylah Barau; Senator Simon Lalong, former Governor of Plateau State; Rear Admiral Simon Bitrus Atukum (rtd), a former Military Administrator of the state; traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.
The First Lady’s visit and humanitarian gesture come as a beacon of hope for many residents still reeling from the impact of violence, and underscores a renewed national effort to foster peace and healing in Plateau State.