Oluremi Tinubu donates N100m to Arts Education Initiative

…reaffirms FG’s commitment to education

By Kunle Sanni

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to education and youth empowerment, describing education as the foundation of true national development.

Speaking at a charity gala organised by the Spouses of Heads of Missions in Nigeria on Thursday, the First Lady praised the diplomatic community for supporting grassroots initiatives. The event, held in support of the Five Cowries Art Education Initiative, aimed to raise funds to expand access to art-based learning in underserved communities.

“I believe that education is the foundation of true national development,” Tinubu said. “That is why the administration of President Bola Tinubu, since inception, and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) have continued to invest in education and youth empowerment.”

In a major show of support, the First Lady announced a N100 million donation from the Renewed Hope Initiative to support 5,000 art exhibitions under the Five Cowries programme. She also called for increased financial support, advocacy, and partnerships to scale up educational access through creative learning tools.

Tinubu commended the spouses of foreign diplomats for becoming active participants in Nigeria’s development efforts.

“From renovating schools and supporting hospitals to empowering small businesses, your contributions are making a lasting impact in our communities,” she said.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Lucrecia Downer, spouse of the British High Commissioner to Jamaica, said the gala was part of ongoing efforts to boost learning outcomes through the promotion of arts in education.

Founder of the Five Cowries Initiative, Polly Alakija, outlined plans to expand art education projects across Africa. She emphasised the importance of art in addressing global issues such as conservation, citizenship, and public health — especially in rural areas.