Nigeria experiencing steady progress, says First Lady

Kunle Sanni

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s progress, stating that the country is witnessing a gradual but steady improvement that will lead to greater impact.

Speaking while receiving spouses of heads of missions in Nigeria at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Senator Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria is a work in progress and that the current administration, with both internal and external support, is committed to driving positive change.

She highlighted her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) as part of efforts to improve education, health, and livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Addressing the issue of out-of-school children, especially the Almajiri, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to tackling the challenge through structured interventions, including boarding schools that provide both Islamic and formal education.

“We have about 18.5 million children without formal education. These are children seeking Islamic knowledge, but they lack access to food and basic amenities. They are not beggars; they came for education,” she said. She assured that despite the daunting challenge, her office is taking significant steps to address it and is open to collaboration.

Senator Tinubu thanked the visiting delegation for their ongoing support for Nigerian women and children, emphasizing that women are the foundation of great nations. She reiterated her belief that proper education and moral upbringing help deter crime, making education a crucial tool for national development.

Leading the delegation, Sigalit Freeman, wife of the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, commended the First Lady’s efforts, acknowledging both her current initiatives and her past contributions as a legislator and former First Lady of Lagos State. She noted that their group had come to explore collaboration opportunities with the First Lady, particularly in advancing education.

Freeman revealed that their association, which includes the wives of the Guinea-Bissau and Canadian ambassadors, is working with widows’ organizations, schools, and hospitals in Abuja to support women’s and children’s education.