NIGERIA: First Lady Donates ₦1 Billion to Plateau Attack Victims

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated ₦1 billion to victims of the recent violent attacks in Plateau State, emphasizing that her gesture is rooted in compassion, not political gain.

Speaking during a solemn visit to the Plateau State Government House in Rayfield, Jos, Mrs. Tinubu said the donation was made through her Renewed Hope Initiative and not from government funds.

She stated: “This visit carries heavy emotions for me. I come first as a mother, pained by the bloodshed that continues to plague our people. This is not just a political duty, it is a humanitarian calling.”

The First Lady, who met with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and key traditional and religious leaders, stressed that the funds were meant to support healing and recovery in affected communities.

She expressed a heartfelt desire that this would be the last time she would have to respond to such a crisis in Plateau State.

“I do not have endless riches, but I use what I have to give life. The goal is not to throw money into a basket but to bring hope, healing, and progress,” she said.

Mrs. Tinubu recalled being welcomed at the airport by a little girl bearing fruits, who described Plateau as “the land of peace and tourism.”

She said emotionally, referencing Psalm 8:2: “From the mouth of that child, I heard God speak peace. This land shall know peace again.When the national anthem was reverted earlier this year, especially the line about handing over a banner to our children, I couldn’t help but reflect on our legacy. Have we truly protected this land?”

She urged men in the state to rise and safeguard their communities and charged traditional rulers to champion reconciliation and peace.

“You, our traditional leaders, are the true custodians of this land. We politicians come and go, but you remain. It is your sacred duty to bring unity and healing,” she said.

Dismissing suggestions of political motives, the First Lady declared her passion for Nigeria as one inspired by gratitude and a desire to see the country thrive.

“Politics will fade. But Nigeria has blessed me deeply, and in my older years, I desire peace, not power struggles,” she said.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang hailed Mrs. Tinubu as “the mother of the nation,” praising her compassion and her meaningful intervention.

He said: “She has truly taken Plateau to hear. This is the kind of leadership that brings healing.”