Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator (Mrs). Oluremi Tinubu has donated one billion naira to victims of recent violence in Plateau State, calling for a permanent end to bloodshed in the region.
Mrs Tinubu, who held an interactive session with stakeholders in the state during a visit to Jos on Thursday, prayed for lasting peace on the Plateau.
She expressed concern over the ongoing violence and prayed for lasting peace.
Mrs. Tinubu emphasised that her visit was not politically motivated but driven by her concern as a mother.
She urged leaders to reflect on the legacy they are leaving behind and protect the land.
The First Lady announced the donation under her Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
She also handed over food and essential items to the people through the Governor’s wife.
Addressing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, women’s groups, community members, and others, Tinubu expressed concern over the ongoing violence that had plagued the state for years.
She insisted her visit to the state was not for politics, but from the heart of a mother, and pleaded with the men to protect the women and restore the peace that the state was known for.
“This visit is filled with mixed emotions. I came here as a mother, whose heart bleeds each time I hear about killings or bloodshed.
“It took me some time to respond, but I want to assure you this will be the last time I will respond to such a situation in Plateau.
“From now on, it shall be for the progress of the State,” Mrs Tinubu said.
She recalled being welcomed at the airport by a young girl offering fruits and calling Plateau “the land of peace and tourism,” a moment she said she took as a divine sign of hope.
Referencing the recently restored National Anthem and its call to “hand unto our children a banner without stain,” she urged the leaders to reflect on the legacy they were leaving behind.
“Have we truly protected our land? Women do not fight. We are asking the men to protect us, to ensure our children grow up without fear,” she added.
Mrs Tinubu clarified that the funds were not from government coffers but from people of goodwill who were supporting her initiative.
“I do not have vast sums of money, but what I have is meant to bring life. This is not government money. It is what I have raised to help others.”
She reiterated her prayers that future visits to the Plateau would also be pleasant in order to explore the beauty and tourism potentials of the state and not to respond to tragedy.
She further appealed to the traditional rulers to play their role as custodians of peace.
“Office holders will come and go, but you will remain. Please, bring peace to this land,” she pleaded.
She reaffirmed her love for Nigerians and Nigeria and her desire to enjoy its beauty in peace at her old age.
“My love for this country is not political. I want to see Nigeria flourish. Let’s protect our children and preserve our land,” she said.
Responding, Governor Caleb Mutfwang thanked the First Lady for her support and prayers, describing her as “a mother of the nation.” He assured her that the state is committed to peace and reconciliation.
The Governor expressed gratitude for the donation and acknowledged the First Lady’s sincerity and concern for Plateau’s future. He welcomed her visit and prayed for God’s continued blessings.
