The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a helping hand to disaster victims in Niger State, presenting a N1 billion donation and thousands of relief materials as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative.
The gesture was aimed at alleviating the suffering of residents affected by a series of devastating events, most notably the Mokwa flood of May 2025.
The symbolic presentation was held in Minna on Tuesday, where the First Lady offered heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State, especially those who lost loved ones or homes during the natural disasters.
The Mokwa flood, which occurred on May 29, left 153 dead, 3,018 individuals affected, 11 injured, and 593 households displaced.
“Today, I stand before you not just as First Lady, but as a mother who shares in your pain,” she said. “The strength of our nation lies in compassion. This is a time for all of us to be our brother’s keeper.”
Her Renewed Hope Initiative donation includes N1 billion in cash, 2,000 bags of 50kg rice, 16,000 wrappers, over 100 pairs of shoes, and additional non-cash support.
The effort is designed not only to offer material support but to restore dignity and hope to disaster victims across the state.
Senator Tinubu also announced an economic empowerment programme targeting 500 women in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
The programme, she said, was approved by the RHI Governing Council and is aimed at providing long-term economic resilience and sustainability for women, particularly those displaced by recent tragedies.
She praised President Bola Tinubu’s swift response to the Mokwa flood crisis, noting his prompt approval of emergency relief items and the reconstruction of destroyed homes in affected cocommunities.
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In his remarks, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State expressed deep gratitude for the First Lady’s visit and humanitarian outreach. He explained that the state’s geographical position—situated at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Kaduna—makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding and other water-related disasters.
“Your presence here and the generosity you’ve shown reflect a leadership style rooted in empathy, compassion, and action,” the governor said. “We have received not only financial aid but emotional support that gives us the strength to rebuild.”
Bago revealed that the donated N1 billion had already been deposited into the state’s emergency response account, and the relief materials had begun to reach displaced families.
Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, welcomed the First Lady and described her efforts as a demonstration of genuine care for the vulnerable, especially women and youths. “Her visit is a reminder that humanitarian efforts must go hand-in-hand with long-term solutions,” Usman said.
The visit drew praise from across political and community lines. Dignitaries accompanying Mrs. Tinubu included Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, as well as wives of governors and military service chiefs.
Niger State has been grappling with a series of disasters in recent months, including fatal boat accidents and extensive fire outbreaks in addition to the floods. While recovery efforts are ongoing, the intervention from the First Lady has been described by local leaders as both timely and transformative.
As Senator Tinubu concluded her visit, she urged other well-meaning individuals and organizations to join in rebuilding lives and communities. “Let us come together, not only in times of celebration, but in times of adversity. That is the true spirit of nationhood,” she said.
NAN
