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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reportedly donated N1 billion to victims of violent attacks in Plateau State, emphasizing that her gesture stems from love and compassion, not politics.
Speaking during a visit to the Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Sen. Tinubu said the donation was made through her Renewed Hope Initiative and was not sourced from public funds.
“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. It took me some time to respond, but I want to assure you that this will be the last time I will respond to such a situation in Plateau State. I pray that God will honour this, and from now on, it shall be for the progress of the state,” she said.
She added that her recent meeting with Governor Caleb Mutfwang was to express her desire to engage with traditional rulers and religious leaders across the state, urging them to work for sustainable peace.
“Today, I have come with a donation of one billion naira for the Renewed Hope Initiative. I do not have vast sums of money, but what I have is meant to bring life, not to pour money into a basket. If I kept money for personal gain, it would only serve to satisfy greed. But my goal is to use the resources I have for good, for the development of this country, not to waste them,” she stated.
The First Lady made a heartfelt plea to men in Plateau to protect their communities and families.
“When I arrived at the airport, I remember the little girl who came to greet me with a bowl of fruits and vegetables, saying, ‘Welcome to the land of peace and tourism.’ I knew at that moment that God had already spoken because, as the Bible says, ‘Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, God has ordained perfect praise.’ From the mouth of this child, there shall be peace in this land. Amen,” she said.
She also reflected on the recent reinstatement of the old national anthem, highlighting its message of patriotism and duty.
“When Mr President decided to revert to the old national anthem this year, it brought back memories of the anthem that instilled patriotism and love for this land,” she noted.
“When we hear the second stanza, ‘To hand on to our children a banner,’ we must reflect on our actions and the legacy we leave behind. But when we look at the killings, the rapes, and the terror, we must ask ourselves: Have we truly protected our land?” she asked.
Addressing traditional leaders directly, Tinubu said, “You are the custodians of this land. We as officeholders will come and go, but you will remain. Please, I urge you to bring peace to this land. God will help you to protect and preserve this land.”
She added, “My love for this country is not political; it’s about how this country has blessed me. As I grow older, I want to enjoy the beauty of this country, not be consumed by politics. And that is why I am here today—to appeal to you, the leaders, to do whatever it takes to bring peace to Plateau State.”
In response, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, praised the First Lady for her compassion and commitment, calling her the “mother of the nation.”
“We are truly delighted that she has taken Plateau to heart,” Mutfwang said.
Also present was the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, who highlighted the broader scope of the Renewed Hope Initiative, including ongoing nationwide support for vulnerable groups.
“This initiative goes beyond just food distribution. It is about building a stronger, more compassionate community,” Shettima said. “The initiative also includes economic empowerment programmes, such as distributing grants of 50 million naira to each state and the Federal Capital Territory to support women petty traders. Additionally, cash grants of 200,000 naira each will be provided to 250 persons with disabilities in every state.”
Leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities, including the Emir of Wase, Dr. Mohammed Sambo Haruna; President of the Church of Christ in Nations, Dr. Amos Mohzo; and Professor Rahila Gowon, who represented Plateau women, all lauded the First Lady’s gesture and offered prayers for lasting peace in the state.