First Lady donates ₦1bn, relief items to Niger flood, fire, banditry victims

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday donated ₦1 billion and essential relief materials to victims of flooding, fire outbreaks, boat mishaps, and banditry attacks in Niger State, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting communities in distress.

The donation, made under the banner of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), her flagship humanitarian platform, was announced during a condolence visit to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at the Niger State Government House in Minna.

The First Lady said the gesture was in response to the devastating flood disaster that struck Mokwa town, where more than 159 people lost their lives, over 400 homes were destroyed, and more than 3,000 persons were displaced.

“In support of the rebuilding efforts of the Niger State Government, the Governing Council of the Renewed Hope Initiative is donating the sum of ₦1 billion, along with relief materials including clothes, shoes, and 2,000 bags of 50kg rice to the state,” Senator Tinubu stated.

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, she emphasized that the funds will be directed toward housing support and essential supplies to help displaced families rebuild their lives and restore livelihoods.

“This is in line with the objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative, as contained in our motto, Towards a Better Life for Families. The strength of a nation lies in its compassion. In moments like this, we must rise to be our brother’s keeper”, she said.

Condoling the people of Niger State, Senator Tinubu said as a mother, she deeply shares in their grief and pain. 

“I believe that we can collectively overcome this tragedy and help the community heal. May God comfort you and grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed,” she added.

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In his remarks, Governor Bago expressed deep appreciation to the First Lady and the Renewed Hope Initiative for what he described as a timely and life-changing intervention. 

He assured that the donation would be deployed judiciously to restore joy and hope to affected families.

“Through the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady has continued to bring hope to many who seemed to have lost it. The people of Niger State are grateful,” the governor said.

During the visit, the First Lady also flagged off the RHI/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Empowerment Programme, aimed at revitalizing women-owned businesses across the country.

She explained that the initiative is focused on supporting the entrepreneurial drive of women traders and small-scale business owners with grants, not loans.

“This is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalize your existing businesses. When you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation,” Senator Tinubu said.

She announced that the Tony Elumelu Foundation had donated ₦1 billion to the Renewed Hope Initiative to support 18,500 women nationwide. 

Under the programme, 500 women from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT will receive ₦50,000 each to strengthen their businesses.

The First Lady’s visit also included courtesy calls on two former Nigerian Heads of State — General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar — at their Minna residences.

She expressed joy at seeing both elder statesmen in good health and conveyed the warm regards of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.