Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated ₦1 billion to help people affected by violent attacks in Plateau State.
She made this announcement during a town hall meeting at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos.
The intervention, carried out through her Renewed Hope Initiative, is funded entirely through private donations, with no recourse to public funds. Senator Tinubu said the gesture was motivated by the plight of conflict-affected rural communities, stressing that the nation must turn a new page from grief to healing and hope.
“This visit is deeply emotional for me,” the First Lady said, addressing a cross-section of stakeholders including traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, and youth. “Each time I hear of killings or disasters, my heart bleeds. Let this be the last time I visit Plateau under such painful circumstances. The next time I come, I want to rejoice with you and celebrate peace, progress, and prosperity.”
She called for an end to years of violent conflict in the state and emphasized the importance of unity, legacy, and collective responsibility. “As women, we nurture, not destroy. But we are tired,” she declared. “We appeal to the men—protect us. Let our farmers return to their fields. Let our children move freely across this country without fear.”
Senator Tinubu also urged religious and traditional leaders to set aside political and ethnic differences and work collaboratively to restore the peace for which Plateau was once known. She commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his commitment to restoring harmony in the region, offering prayers for divine guidance in his leadership journey.
In response, Governor Mutfwang expressed heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady for what he described as “a profound act of national compassion.”
“Your Excellency, to me, you are more than the First Lady; you are a mother with a deep sense of purpose, committed to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians,” the Governor said. He praised the Renewed Hope Initiative for its impact nationwide and recalled Senator Tinubu’s earlier visit, where she supported internally displaced persons in the state.
“We are determined to put an end to this crisis. Working with our religious and traditional leaders, and by God’s grace, we will restore peace to Plateau,” he affirmed.
The wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, was also present at the event. She donated 1,800 bags of 50kg rice to be distributed to vulnerable persons, especially people living with disabilities, through the Plateau State office of the Renewed Hope Initiative, led by Her Excellency, Barr. Helen Mutfwang.
The visit by the First Lady marks a renewed call for peace, unity, and compassion—principles she hopes will guide the state and nation toward a brighter, violence-free future.
