By Correspondent in Minna.
The wife of Nigeria’s President,who is also the founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday announced the donation of ₦1 billion and assorted relief items to victims of natural and human-induced disasters in Niger State.
The donation was made during her visit to the Niger State Government House in Minna, where she was received by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and other top government officials.
The support package includes 2,000 bags of 50kg rice, 16,000 wrappers for affected women, over 100 pairs of shoes, and assorted clothing.
They are aimed at alleviating the plight of victims from multiple incidents including the Dikko junction petrol tanker explosion, Lapai-Badeggi road tanker fire, Mokwa flood disaster, Shiroro boat mishap, and attacks by armed bandits.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Tinubu said the donation aligns with the objectives of her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative, which focuses on providing humanitarian assistance and restoring dignity to affected Nigerians.
“These are really challenging times, but we pray that Almighty God comforts the bereaved families, heals the injured, and strengthens all those affected,” she said. “As a mother, I share in your pain and grieve over the irreplaceable losses and devastation.”
She instructed that the ₦1 billion donation be channeled towards housing support and essential supplies for displaced families, to help them rebuild their lives and communities.
In his response, Governor Bago expressed gratitude to the First Lady for the timely intervention and acknowledged the Federal Government’s earlier support for disaster victims in the state.
“There couldn’t have been a better time to visit Niger State than now. Many of our riverine communities are experiencing life-threatening natural disasters,”he said.
Governor Bago highlighted Niger State’s vulnerability to annual flooding due to its geography, being home to four major hydroelectric dams — Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro, and Zungeru, and other large water bodies.
He lamented the state’s continued exposure to flooding, boat accidents, fire incidents, and armed attacks, despite efforts at mitigation and public advocacy.
The governor praised the Renewed Hope Initiative for reaching across the country and bringing hope to affected communities.
“The love you’ve shown reflects the kind of leadership we have as a nation. We thank you for this demonstration of compassion and commitment,” he added.
Governor Bago also announced that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in appreciation of the administration’s support for the state.
“We have received the ₦1 billion into the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) account, along with food items, clothing, and footwear. Wherever you got all these from to support us, we pray that God replenishes you.”
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
