By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated the sum of ₦1 billion to Plateau State under her Renewed Hope Initiative.
Speaking in Jos on Thursday, Tinubu called for an end to the bloodshed that has plagued the region for years, declaring that future visits would focus on development, not responding to tragedy.
“This will be the last time I will respond to such a situation in Plateau. From now on, it shall be for the progress of the state,” Tinubu said, addressing a gathering of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members. She emphasized that this was not a political visit, but a deeply emotional one.
She continued: “This visit is filled with mixed emotions for me. I came here first as a mother, whose heart bleeds each time I hear about killings or bloodshed. It took me some time to respond, but I want to assure you that this will be the last time I will come to Plateau for such a reason. From now on, it shall be for the progress of the state.”
Tinubu shared a hopeful moment from her arrival in Jos, recalling how a young girl greeted her with fruits and vegetables, calling the state “the land of peace and tourism.”
“When I arrived at the airport, I remember the little girl who came to greet me with a bowl of fruits and vegetables, saying, ‘Welcome to the land of peace and tourism.’ I knew at that moment that God had already spoken because, as the Bible says, ‘Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, God has ordained perfect praise.’ From the mouth of this child, there shall be peace in this land. Amen.”
Tinubu also reflected on the renewed national anthem and its message of patriotism.
“When Mr. President decided to revert to the old national anthem this year, it brought back memories of the anthem that instilled patriotism and love for this land. When we hear the second stanza, ‘To hand unto our children a banner,’ we must reflect on our actions and the legacy we leave behind. But when we look at the killings, the rapes, and the terror, we must ask ourselves: have we truly protected our land?” she said, urging leaders to prioritize peace and unity.
In a direct appeal to the men of Plateau, Tinubu urged them to step up as protectors of their families and communities.
“I want to stress this: we women do not fight. We do not carry arms. But we are asking you, as men, to protect us,” she said. “We are asking you to ensure that our children can live in peace and grow up without fear. What legacy do you want to leave behind? When we speak of protection, it’s not just about security—it’s about safeguarding the future of our children.”
Tinubu’s donation of ₦1 billion was announced as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative, which aims to support vulnerable Nigerians. She clarified that the funds were not from government sources but raised through contributions from individuals and well-wishers.
“I do not have vast sums of money, but what I have is meant to bring life, not to pour money into a basket, If I kept money for personal gain, it would only serve to satisfy greed. But my goal is to use the resources I have for good, for the development of this country, not to waste it.” She stressed.
Looking ahead, the First Lady emphasized that future visits to Plateau should focus on celebrating the state’s natural beauty and tourism potential, rather than responding to violence and tragedy. Tinubu also appealed to the traditional rulers, urging them to take the lead in bringing peace to the region.
“You are the custodians of this land. We as officeholders will come and go, but you will remain. Please, I urge you to bring peace to this land. God will help you to protect and preserve this land,” she noted.
In response, Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed deep appreciation for Tinubu’s visit and donation, describing her as “a mother of the nation.” He commended her for consistently showing compassion and support for vulnerable communities across the country.
“Her presence here today is deeply appreciated. We are grateful for her continued support and prayers,We remain committed to peace and reconciliation, and with her encouragement, we are confident of lasting peace.” He concluded.
