The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has donated N1 billion and relief materials to victims of various disasters through her Renewed Hope Initiative.
During the symbolic presentation in Minna, the Niger State capital, on Tuesday, Mrs. Tinubu said that the purpose of the visit was to condole with the government and people of the state over the devastating Mokwa flood disaster that claimed several lives and displaced many families.
She expressed her empathy to the affected persons, saying ‘as a mother, I share in your pains and grieves, and I believe we all can overcome this tragedy’.
The First Lady acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s swift response to the disaster, particularly the approval of the immediate release of flood relief items and the reconstruction of the houses destroyed.
She disclosed that the donation, which included N1 billion, 2,000 bags of 50kg rice and shoes, was directly to support and help the affected people.
‘The strength of a nation lies in its compassion, and in moments like this, we all must be our brothers’ keepers’, she said.
The president’s wife also disclosed that the Governing Council of Renewed Hope Initiative, in collaboration with Tony Elumelu Foundation, had approved an economic empowerment programme to support 500 women.
Niger State Governor, Hon. Umaru Bago thanked the first lady for her sympathy visit, following the various disasters that had occurred in the state.
Bago highlighted the state’s unique geography, saying that the state was the only riverine state with tributaries of the River Niger and the Kaduna River, thus making it more prone to flooding.
While appreciating the first lady’s efforts, he said that the renewed hope initiative had touched the lives of many people across the country.
‘The empathy you exhibit and the love you show reflect the kind of leadership we have in the country. Continue to lead in the right path’, he said.
The governor said that the state had received N1 billion in aid in the state emergency response account, 2,000 bags of rice, 16,000 wrappers and over 100 pairs of shoes for the victims.
In his welcome address, Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman described Tinubu’s visit as a clear demonstration of deep compassion and commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, especially women, youths and the vulnerable.
‘This initiative speaks volumes about her vision for more inclusive and resilient Nigerians; the humanitarian relief provides both material aid and emotional strength’, he said.
It was reported that the first lady was accompanied by the Wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wives of some governors and service chiefs.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Mokwa flood, which occurred on 29 May resulted in the death of 153, 3,018 individuals, with 11 persons injured and 593 households displaced.
Other disasters, which also occurred in the state at different times, included fire disasters and boat mishaps.
