First Lady highlights President’s commitment to security …Urges generosity at 2025 children’s Christmas brunch

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all Nigerians across the country.

The First Lady made the remarks on Thursday at the conclusion of the 2025 Children’s Christmas Brunch held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists, Mrs. Tinubu said that safeguarding the nation is a top priority of her husband’s administration.

She noted that while Nigerian children have achieved remarkable academic and global recognition this year, the country has also faced challenges, including mass abductions.

She praised the swift government response to recent kidnappings, describing it as the fastest rescue operation in Nigeria’s history.

“Mr. President acted decisively. They went after the abducted children promptly. This is the quickest rescue we have ever seen in the country,” she said.

The First Lady called on Nigerians to acknowledge the scale of the nation’s challenges, highlighting that the country’s population exceeds 250 million, comparable to that of the United States.

She urged citizens to give the President “some slack,” emphasizing the continuous efforts of government officials to ensure security.

In addition to security, Mrs. Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to embrace generosity in 2026, sharing their blessings with less privileged members of society.

She emphasised that giving is both a moral duty and an expression of gratitude.

“Next year should be a year when Nigerians reach out to others, especially those in need.

”Many people hold on to their blessings, associating only with peers at the same level.

”But I believe in sharing and remembering where you came from,” she explained.

She added that her own approach is to give selflessly, even until she has “zero,” as a reflection of gratitude for God’s favour.

The First Lady also highlighted that the Christmas brunch is intentionally designed for children from humble backgrounds rather than the children of government officials.

“This event is for the people. We aim to plant a seed in their minds, so that if they become leaders, they remember these values,” she said.

During the event, children were exposed to new cultural experiences and activities, including a reading session from her book, The Christmas Story, which reimagines the birth of Jesus with Nigerian characters.

Mrs. Tinubu said the story aimed to foster pride in heritage and identity among young readers.

The First Lady noted that some children expressed aspirations to join the armed forces, reflecting a growing awareness among the next generation about the importance of contributing to national security.

Describing the brunch as “a really good day,” Mrs. Tinubu said the children’s joy and ambition offered hope for the country’s future.

“They are ready to face challenges and protect society. We should celebrate this spirit,” she said.

annual scholarship programme

…VP urges national recommitment to education

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday inaugurated the Aliko Dangote Foundation Education Scholarship Initiative, calling on all stakeholders to rededicate efforts toward ensuring every Nigerian child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

The launch coincided with the unveiling by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Foundation, of a N100 billion annual education support programme.

The initiative, projected to cost N1 trillion over the next decade, aimed to expand access to quality learning and strengthen Nigeria’s educational sector nationwide.

Speaking at the event in Lagos, Vice President Shettima praised Dangote’s philanthropic commitment, emphasising the transformative power of education.

He urged corporate organisations and private sector actors to see themselves as partners in safeguarding the future of Nigeria’s education system.

“A youthful population is an asset only when educated. Without education, it becomes a threat to itself and the nation,” Shettima said, highlighting the urgent need to close historical gaps in educational access and opportunity.

He noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has rolled out wide-ranging reforms, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), expanded TETFUND interventions, and mainstreaming of digital learning and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet the demands of a modern economy.

The Vice President also noted the importance of addressing Nigeria’s low Human Capital Index, stressing that education must be treated as a “national survival strategy.”

Shettima hailed Dangote as a visionary, describing his philanthropy as structural, generational, and transformative.

“He is not only the largest private employer in Nigeria but also the most consequential private investor in education,” the Vice President added.

Alhaji Dangote, for his part, outlined the framework of the foundation’s scholarship programme, assuring that beneficiaries would be selected through a transparent and merit-based process.

The programme will be implemented in collaboration with NELFUND, NECO, WAEC, and other government agencies to ensure accountability and fairness.

Dangote revealed that 25 per
cent of his personal wealth has been dedicated to the foundation’s work, ensuring continuity beyond his lifetime.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as one of the most comprehensive human capital development programmes in Nigeria’s history, aligned with the federal government’s education reform agenda.

He highlighted that a quarter of the scholarships will be reserved for students with disabilities, promoting inclusivity.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed commended the foundation for its focus on education, particularly Technical and Vocational Education and Training, emphasising the importance of investing in girls’ education for societal advancement.

Several dignitaries also attended the event. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised Dangote’s commitment to youth development and assured that state governments would support the programme.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, lauded Dangote for his efforts to improve Nigerians’ lives, while Emir of Lafia and Steering Committee Chairman, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), pledged the committee’s dedication to ensuring the initiative’s long-term impact.

The event culminated with the unveiling of the Vision 2030 N100 billion Logo of the Dangote Foundation, marking a milestone in the foundation’s quest to transform education and strengthen Nigeria’s human capital.