Oluremi Tinubu seeks legislative backing for First Lady’s office

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First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on the National Assembly to provide formal recognition and support for the Office of the First Lady at both federal and state levels, similar to what exists in the United States. She said this would enhance the capacity of First Ladies to impact more lives across the country.

Speaking with journalists after her second quarterly meeting with wives of state governors and Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) coordinators at the State House, Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu noted that the RHI had provided ₦1 million each to 47 indigent students. She expressed confidence that with more resources, they could do even more.

She emphasised the supportive role of First Ladies in national development, saying, “We are wives who want to see our husbands succeed. They are like trees, and we are the branches. We want to help them as much as we can.”

Reflecting on the RHI’s two-year journey, the First Lady said the initiative remains committed to helping one person at a time, especially the less privileged. “Nigeria is a blessed country with a lot of resources; we just need to harness them effectively,” she said.

Commenting on the recent surge in violence in Borno and Plateau States, she described the killings as evil and unfortunate, urging women and mothers to intensify prayers for peace and stability in the country.

Earlier at the meeting, Senator Tinubu commended the wives of state governors for their complementary roles and urged them to strengthen advocacy on issues like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, syphilis, TB, and cervical cancer.

She also announced that the Flow With Confidence initiative would soon be launched, with each state receiving 10,000 cartons of sanitary towels for adolescent girls in rural areas. An RHI Environment Club/Society will also be unveiled to promote environmental awareness.

The meeting was attended by the wife of the Vice President, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the wife of the Deputy Senate President, and 24 wives of state governors.