Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly committed to securing lives and property across the country through strengthened internal security operations and expanded international security partnerships.
Speaking on Saturday during an engagement with Ekiti State traditional rulers at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, as part of her one-day working visit to the state, the First Lady said the administration was intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for killings, kidnappings and banditry across the federation.
According to her, the Federal Government is already collaborating with developed countries, including the United States, as part of broader strategies to tackle insecurity.
“The US and some other developed countries are helping us in this matter. Some of those terrorising us are non-Nigerians. No matter what happens, we shall overcome, Nigeria is too great to be intimidated,” she said.
“It is disheartening that we have this insecurity. A lot of foreign countries are helping our nation. The US and some other developed countries are helping us in this matter. Some of those terrorising us are non-Nigerians. No matter what happens, we shall overcome, Nigeria is too great to be intimidated.”
She further assured that President Tinubu is fully engaged in continuous efforts to restore peace and stability nationwide.
“Let us bear in mind that we have a great country. Challenges will come, but collectively, we can tackle them. I can assure you, we don’t have Mondays or Sundays, the President is working round the clock to get this matter resolved. At times, Mr President will sleep at 3:00am and God has been faithful. Let us be prayerful about our nation. It is prayers that have taken us this far.”
The First Lady also expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers for their support for both President Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, noting that their backing has strengthened governance delivery.
“We want to thank Ekiti people for the tremendous support they are giving the President. Kabiyesi, I thank you immensely for your love and care for Mr President and Governor Oyebanji.”
Highlighting interventions under her Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Tinubu disclosed that the programme has delivered key social and economic support projects in Ekiti State, including educational and empowerment initiatives.
“Kabiyesi, I didn’t only come here to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC women campaign council, I am here to thank you for the love you have shown to Mr President in Ekiti State. I am humbled that you are all here and waited patiently. Your domains shall be peaceful by the grace of God. Long may you reign.”
She explained that the initiative had established a modern ICT centre at Ekiti State University and provided scholarships worth over N200 million for undergraduates.
“Cataloguing what her initiative has done in Ekiti State, Senator Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Initiative, her brainchild, had built an ultra modern ICT at Ekiti State University to boost the digital education of the youths, while also endowing prizes to the tune of N200 million for the undergraduates to broaden the scope of scholarship scheme in the institution.”
She added that about 2,000 traders had received N50,000 grants each, while vulnerable groups, including the elderly and persons living with disabilities, continue to benefit from ongoing empowerment programmes.
“The Nigeria’s First Lady added that her initiative had empowered another 2,000 traders with N50,000 each to engage them in trading, while hundreds of elderly, vulnerable groups and people living with disabilities are being helped to raise their standards of living through fruitful engagements under the current economy.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, commended the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative and called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security and justice framework.
He urged the Federal Government to review the kidnapping law to ensure stricter punishment for offenders and their collaborators.
“No country is devoid of criminals. But there should be review of laws in the country dealing with issue of insecurity. Kidnapping has been on for some time. All those that are aiding and abetting kidnapping, we have not seen any punitive measures being taken against them. There should be a review of the laws dealing with these murderers.”
The monarch also called for accelerated passage of legislation establishing state police, arguing that decentralised policing would improve security response.
“The bill for the creation of the state police should be fasttracked. Our people are not cowards, but our hands are tied, because our people can’t carry AK 47 to face these criminals.”
Oba Adu-Alagbado praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a leader ordained for the moment, and pledged the support of the traditional institution for his administration and a second term bid.
“We thank the President through you for the affection he has shown for our governor. Our Governor had always been praising him for his fatherly role. Our message to the President is that we are with him totally. He is a special man that was ordained by God.”
“He is our son and we are proud of him, not just a son, but one that is doing wonders and making us proud.”
“Your Excellency, you are welcome to Ekiti State… We thank the President for the affection he has shown for our governor… Our message to the President is that we are with him totally.”
“Kidnapping has been on for some time… There should be a review of the laws dealing with these murderers. The bill for the creation of the state police should be fasttracked.”
The First Lady’s visit was attended by top government officials, including Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Wife of the Vice President Hajia Nana Shettima, First Lady of Ekiti State Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, among others.
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