We cannot give up on Nigeria — First Lady

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed optimism that the country will overcome its security challenges, assuring that ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and international partners will yield results.

She spoke on Saturday during her first official visit to Ekiti State, where she met with members of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Council at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.

According to her, President Bola Tinubu is working relentlessly to tackle insecurity, describing the situation as troubling but not insurmountable.

She noted that Nigeria is receiving support from countries such as the United States and France, adding that some of the individuals behind insecurity are non-Nigerians, though she declined to disclose further details due to the sensitive nature of security information.

Despite the challenges, the First Lady said Nigeria remains a blessed and resilient nation, expressing confidence that the current difficulties will soon pass. She urged citizens, particularly women, to remain steadfast and prayerful.

Earlier, Chairman of the Ekiti Traditional Rulers’ Council, Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado, commended the President for his initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. He, however, called for stronger action to address insecurity, citing incidents of kidnapping in the state and beyond.

As part of her visit, Mrs Tinubu also announced a N100 million Business Recapitalisation Grant for 2,000 women petty traders in Ekiti State, with each beneficiary to receive N50,000 to support their businesses and households.

She was accompanied by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, as well as other top officials, including the APC National Women Leader, Dr Mary Alile Idele, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

The First Lady also used the occasion to rally support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the upcoming state election, urging residents to back his administration and the Federal Government’s continuity agenda.

In addition, she highlighted several interventions under her Renewed Hope Initiative, including scholarships, bursaries, distribution of exercise books, sanitary pads for schoolgirls, and the launch of environmental clubs in schools.

Mrs Tinubu also announced a N200 million reward for the best graduating male and female students of Ekiti State University, following the commissioning of a TETFund-sponsored ICT Experience Centre in the state.