First Lady Tinubu engages with traditional, religious leaders in Lagos

On Friday, First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, held a meeting with religious and traditional leaders in Lagos State as part of her three-day official visit to the commercial hub of the nation.

The meeting took place at the Lagos State Governor’s residence in Marina and provided an opportunity for the First Lady to discuss the effects of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) with grassroots opinion leaders in Lagos and other regions.

Attendees included leaders from the All Progressives Congress (APC), National Assembly lawmakers from the state, members of the Lagos cabinet, and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC). Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomed Senator Tinubu, who was joined by the Vice President’s wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, and Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President.

The meeting was led by the chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, represented by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi. It served as a platform for Senator Tinubu to gather feedback on the impact of RHI initiatives and to inform attendees about ongoing efforts in Lagos.

In his opening remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of traditional and religious leaders in grassroots governance, highlighting their close connection with the community. He praised the First Lady for her initiatives aimed at uplifting vulnerable populations through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which he noted serves people regardless of their political or ethnic backgrounds.

Sanwo-Olu commended Senator Tinubu for implementing numerous programs that have made a significant difference in various communities. He stated that the RHI has provided substantial support to those in need across the country without any financial burden on the government.

Senator Tinubu detailed various programs her office has been executing in Lagos, including the distribution of 100,000 educational materials and scholarships valued at N1 million, along with laptop provisions. She noted that Lagos received 140 scholarships from the Federal Ministry of Education and benefits from RHI-funded school renovations.

Additionally, she highlighted efforts to empower women in agriculture and assist 1,000 women engaged in petty trade with N50,000 grants to help them strengthen their businesses. The initiative also supplies necessary equipment such as deep freezers and industrial ovens to support women in their trades.

Senator Tinubu discussed health initiatives, including a vaccination program for children against cervical cancer and measures to combat tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. She announced that Lagos would receive a 10,000-piece supply of sanitary pads to assist schoolgirls in rural areas.

The RHI has also provided N422.8 million to assist 1,709 widows and orphans of fallen ex-servicemen since November 2023, with plans to empower 250 individuals with disabilities in December.

The First Lady expressed gratitude to the religious and traditional leaders for their roles in promoting the RHI and encouraged them to share feedback from their communities.

Oba Shotobi commended the First Lady’s initiatives and pledged continued support, while also urging for a legal framework that would enable political leaders to leverage traditional institutions for national development. He highlighted the need for Lagos to have its 37 Local Council Development Areas recognized constitutionally to function effectively given the city’s growing population and economic status.