First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has tasked the Niger State government to construct houses for victims of disasters, especially victims of the recent flood in the state. She donated N1 billion to the government to aid the resettlement of displaced flood victims.
Tinubu also donated 2,000 50-kilogramme bags of rice, clothes, and shoes to the government for distribution to the displaced persons. She said the donations were for flood, banditry, boat mishap, fire disaster victims across the state.
In a related development, Mrs. Tinubu, chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative, also donated N500 million and relief materials to the Adamawa State government. The donation was aimed at supporting no fewer than 1,800 households affected by the recent flood that ravaged the state.
The deputy governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, received the cash donation and relief materials on behalf of the state government during a condolence visit by Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented by Nana Shettima, the wife of the vice president.
Addressing the Niger State disasters, the first lady said, “This donation should be directed towards housing supports and provision of essential supplies to help the displaced families to get back to their feet, earn great living and have a better life, which is in line with the objectives of the renewed hope initiative.”
Mrs. Tinubu said the gesture was from the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She condoled the government and people of Niger State over the flood disaster in Mokwa that claimed many lives and displaced many families; the recent boat mishaps in Shiroro Local Government Area; the victims of bandit attacks; and those who suffered fire disasters in the state.
“These are really challenging times, but we pray that Almighty God comfort the bereaved families, heal the injured and strengthen all those affected,” she said.
The first lady added, “As a mother, I share your pains and grieve over those irreplaceable losses and displacement. I believe that we all can collectively help these victims in their various communities.”
The first lady lauded the president for his swift release of funds and food items to assist in the recovery efforts, as well as reconstruction of houses destroyed by the flood in Mokwa.
She also applauded Governor Muhammad Bago for “rising promptly to the occasion by donating funds and grains to support families that were displaced”.
Mrs. Tinubu prayed that God comforts and grants eternal rest to the departed.
In his remarks, Bago appreciated the gesture of the first lady and explained that the state in recent times had experienced incidents of flood, boat mishap, fire disaster, banditry, and insurgency.
Bago declared, “I wish to announce to you all that we have received the sum of N1 billion into the Niger State Emergency account courtesy the Renewed Hope Initiative of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, 2,000 bags of 50kg Rice, 16,000 wrappers for women that are in this situation. She also gave us over 100 shoes.”
Bago confirmed to the first lady that officially, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State had endorsed President Bola Tinubu for second tenure.
In Adamawa State, the first lady said her donations were also a gesture of goodwill and solidarity with the people, who had been struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of the recent flood disasters.
Farauta said the recent flood disaster claimed 29 lives, destroyed homes, and displaced thousands of residents, leaving many families in dire need of assistance.
The deputy governor said Mrs. Tinubu’s donation was a timely intervention that will go a long way in cushioning the effect of the disaster and supporting recovery efforts.
Farauta expressed her deep appreciation for the humanitarian support, describing it as timely and a boost to the hopes of vulnerable individuals.
She assured that the donated items would be fairly and transparently distributed to the intended beneficiaries.
The deputy governor thanked the president, vice president, and their wives for identifying with the people of Adamawa State during this difficult time.
She praised their efforts in raising the hopes of ordinary citizens and providing support when it is needed most.
In her remarks, Nana Shettima stated that the N500 million cash donation, along with the food and non-food items, was meant to support the recovery efforts and provide relief to those affected by the flood.
She emphasised the importance of collective action in times of crisis and the need for sustained support for affected communities.
The donation was part of a broader initiative to support vulnerable groups across the state. Food items were also donated to other vulnerable groups, demonstrating the commitment of the Renewed Hope Initiative to making a positive impact in the lives of Nigerians.
Managing Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), Dr. Ubom Udoh, said the event reflected a shared vision of restoring hope and uplifting the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Udoh reaffirmed ASR Africa’s commitment to building a better and more resilient nation, where everyone will have access to opportunities and support.
The visit also featured the launch of a Women Economic Empowerment Programme in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
The initiative aimed to provide small business recapitalisation grants to 500 women in Adamawa State, and empower them to rebuild their lives and businesses.
Laleye Dipo
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