Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has made a special intervention of N1 billion, this time to the victims of flooding in Mokwa, Niger State.
The Nigerian First Lady had in July made two separate N1 billion donations to families affected by herdmen’s attacks in Plateau and Benue states that claimed over 200 lives.
The latest donation included N1 billion, 2,000 bags of 50kg rice and shoes.
Mrs. Tinubu, during the symbolic presentation in Minna on Tuesday, said that the purpose of the visit was to condole with the government and people of the state over the devastating Mokwa flood disaster that claimed several lives and displaced many families.
The Mokwa flood, which occurred on May 29, resulted in the death of 153 individuals, with 11 persons injured and 593 households displaced.
She expressed her empathy to the affected persons, saying “as a mother, I share in your pains and grieves, and I believe we all can overcome this tragedy….
“The strength of a nation lies in its compassion, and in moments like this, we all must be our brothers’ keepers….
The President’s wife also disclosed that the Governing Council of Renewed Hope Initiative, in collaboration with Tony Elumelu Foundation, had approved an economic empowerment programme to support 500 women.
The First Lady was accompanied by the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wives of some Governors and service chiefs.
In his remarks, the Governor of Niger, Umaru Bago, thanked the First Lady for her sympathy visit, following the various disasters that had occurred in the state.
Bago highlighted the state’s unique geography, saying that Niger was the only riverine state with tributaries of the River Niger and the Kaduna River, thus making it more prone to flooding.
While appreciating the First Lady’s efforts, he said that the renewed hope initiative had touched the lives of many people across the country.
“The empathy you exhibit and the love you show reflect the kind of leadership we have in the country. Continue to lead in the right path,” he said.
The Governor said that the state had received N1 billion in aid in the state emergency response account, 2,000 bags of rice, 16,000 wrappers and over 100 pairs of shoes for the victims.
In his welcome address, Secretary to the Niger Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, described Mrs Tinubu’s visit as a clear demonstration of deep compassion and commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, especially women, youths and the vulnerable.
“This initiative speaks volumes about her vision for more inclusive and resilient Nigerians; the humanitarian relief provides both material aid and emotional strength,” he said.
She made the donation on behalf of Renewed Hope Initiative in Minna, during a condolence visit to the state government and families affected by the flood.
