In a remarkable show of compassion and national solidarity, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, July 3, 2025, announced a donation of N1 billion to support humanitarian interventions for victims of violent attacks in rural communities across Plateau State.
The donation, made under her Renewed Hope Initiative, is sourced from private contributions and not government funds. Senator Tinubu emphasized that the gesture is aimed at bringing relief to the most vulnerable Nigerians, particularly in conflict-affected regions, and urged Plateau citizens to end the protracted violence and embrace peace and development, especially to unlock the state’s immense tourism potential.
Speaking at a special town hall meeting held at the Government House, Rayfield, Jos, the First Lady addressed a cross-section of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, and youth, saying she came as a mother burdened by the persistent bloodshed and loss of lives.
“This visit is deeply emotional for me,” she said. “Each time I hear of killings or disasters, my heart bleeds. Let this be the last time I visit Plateau under such painful circumstances. The next time I come, I want to rejoice with you and celebrate peace, progress, and prosperity.”
Senator Tinubu expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, drawing inspiration from the symbolic strength of his name and praying for divine guidance in his administration’s quest for unity and progress.
“I appeal to all stakeholders to ensure that Plateau does not grieve its leaders again but becomes a beacon of reconciliation and sustainable development,” she said.
The First Lady also made a passionate appeal to traditional and religious leaders to rise above political and ethnic divisions and work collectively to restore peace. “As women, we nurture, not destroy. But we are tired,” she stated. “We appeal to the men—protect us. Let our farmers return to their fields. Let our children move freely across this country without fear.”
Highlighting the importance of legacy, she urged elders to reflect on the future they are leaving behind: “What legacy do you want to be remembered for? Let us hand over to our children a banner without stain.”
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang warmly welcomed the First Lady and commended her as a true mother of the nation whose compassion and dedication to uplifting humanity is evident in her numerous interventions.
He praised the Renewed Hope Initiative for its far-reaching impact across the country, especially among vulnerable populations, and recalled her earlier visit to the state during which she provided generous support to internally displaced persons. “Your return today is not only reassuring but also a profound encouragement,” the Governor added.
Accorfing to a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, Governor Mutfwang assured the firat lady of the administration’s steadfast determination to end the decades of violent conflict. “We are working in unity with religious and traditional leaders to bring lasting peace to our people. By God’s grace, this crisis must end,” he stated.
Also present at the event was the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, who made a symbolic presentation of 1,800 bags of 50kg rice, which she handed over to the Plateau State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Her Excellency Barr. Helen Mutfwang, for distribution to the vulnerable, especially persons living with disabilities.
