On a one-day visit to Maiduguri, the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, extended support to women whose livelihoods were devastated by recent floods, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to assist those affected.
Also Read: Vice President Kashim Shettima Advocates Stronger Nigeria-Sweden Ties
Mrs. Oluremi, during her visit, launched the Renewed Hope Initiative, an empowerment program aimed at providing relief and hope to women and communities suffering from the disaster.
Oluremi Tinubu announced Support for Flood Victims
In a symbolic presentation at the Borno State Government House, as was confirmed by NTA, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu handed over essential relief materials, including clothing, dignity kits, and household items, to women impacted by the flood.
More significantly, she announced an additional financial commitment of N250 million to help approximately 5,000 women who have lost their sources of income due to the floods.
“This is a time to stand with those affected and help rebuild lives,” she emphasized during her speech.
This donation adds to previous federal and state government efforts to support flood victims across Nigeria, and particularly in Maiduguri, where floodwaters have disrupted both livelihoods and the local economy.
Visit to the Shehu of Borno
Earlier in her trip, the Oluremi paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, where she expressed her sympathy for the flood disaster that had struck the region.
She took the opportunity to brief the royal father on her mission to Borno, outlining her plans to bring aid and relief to the people affected.
The Shehu, in turn, commended the federal government and the First Lady for their ongoing support, highlighting the importance of such high-level interventions during crises like the recent flooding.
Dignitaries and Government Collaboration
Mrs. Tinubu was joined on her visit by several dignitaries, including the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, the Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, and the wife of the governor, Falmata Zulum.
Top government officials and political leaders were also in attendance to witness the delivery of the Renewed Hope Initiative and the first lady’s financial commitment to women’s empowerment.
Governor Zulum lauded the First Lady’s initiative, describing it as a much-needed intervention for the people of Borno, particularly for women who have been disproportionately affected by the floods.
“This gesture is a sign of the commitment the Tinubu administration has shown toward uplifting the vulnerable in our society,” the governor stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments in tackling such emergencies.
Health Sector Interventions
In addition to financial and material support for the flood victims, Mrs. Tinubu’s visit also saw the donation of pharmaceutical products from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate.
These donations, provided by stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry, are part of a broader effort to address health challenges exacerbated by the disaster.
Governor Zulum expressed gratitude for the donation of essential medicines, which were made possible through the collaboration of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international donors.
“We appreciate the coordination between health authorities and international partners in ensuring that medical needs are not neglected in the wake of this disaster,” Zulum said, highlighting the importance of health interventions in the recovery process.
Renewed Hope Initiative’s Broader Impact
The Renewed Hope Initiative, chaired by Mrs. Tinubu, has been instrumental in providing support across different states in Nigeria.
Earlier, the initiative had donated N500 million to Borno State to bolster recovery efforts, signaling its commitment to long-term development and rehabilitation in the region.
Through her visit and the launch of this program, Mrs. Tinubu has demonstrated the administration’s focus on women’s empowerment and recovery from natural disasters.
Her pledge to assist thousands of women in Borno marks a significant step in ensuring that vulnerable populations, especially women, receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
“We cannot leave anyone behind,” Mrs. Tinubu remarked, highlighting that the aid provided through the Renewed Hope Initiative would focus on the long-term recovery and empowerment of women, who often bear the brunt of natural disasters.
