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First Lady pleads with Nigerians to reconsider protest
Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, called on Nigerians to reconsider the protests planned for August 1-10.
Mrs. Tinubu said this during a meeting with governors’ wives at the State House in Abuja for the quarterly meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The First Lady assured everyone that the current administration is working tirelessly to improve the country.
She encouraged young people to be proactive and creative to take advantage of the opportunities in the country.
Tinubu, a former senator, stressed that Nigeria is still feeling the effects of the #EndSARS protests from 2020.
She said: “I pray that they (protesters) would reconsider and don’t make life difficult for those who are still having quite a challenging life”.
The meeting focused on future activities and how the Renewed Hope Initiative can work with important government offices and agencies.
Her appeal
Tinubu’s appeal came hours before the nationwide protests; #EndBadGovernance, which has gained a lot of attention on social media.
It is planned to take place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“I will appeal to them to be patient. We didn’t come here playing.
“We came here to work because I know we will leave this place one day, and I want to go to a Nigeria that will not be a burden to me.
“I’ll be much older, and I want to make sure that I rest in a very conducive and nice atmosphere.
“And that’s what we’re doing. They shouldn’t obstruct all those people who depend on their daily living.
“So I appeal to them and I pray they’ll see reasons.
“If they’re trying to be disruptive, then it is left between them and the law.
“What people don’t realize is that when we’re drumming for things like this, we don’t know the backlash and what will happen after,” She said.
Mrs. Tinubu stated that Nigeria has earned a lot of respect worldwide.
This is shown by the increasing interest of international partners in doing legitimate business in Nigeria.
She encouraged young people to take action and think creatively to grab these chances.
The First Lady emphasized that being inventive and involved is crucial for boosting economic growth.
Has the government been working?
“This government has been working day and night to make sure that this country is put back on its feet.
“What Nigerians don’t know is that…you see, the respect we have now as Nigerians in the international community is higher than what we’ve had in the past.
“People want to do business with Nigeria legitimately now because they know all the cards are on the table.
“And that will create jobs. So, our youth should try to engage themselves, be creative, and do more.
“So everybody has to be creative, our youth have to be seen doing something.
“Nobody’s going even to encourage and put money into the pocket of somebody who is not doing anything,” she said.
The Nigerian Senator praised the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians shown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said, “There are many opportunities in Nigeria.
People made lots of money during COVID just by making sanitizers, creating different things that people could use at that time.”
“The opportunities are there. It is not what it used to be.
“People have to reach out. And these are things that we’ve done before,” she added.
Importance of farming – First Lady
The First Lady urged young people to join the farming sector as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She stressed how crucial it is to encourage young Nigerians to take up farming.
Stating, “You can grow what you eat. We’re taking this to the young people now so they can embrace this culture.”
Mrs. Tinubu shared her love for gardening by reminiscing about her childhood.
She fondly remembered school farms and her enjoyment of the fresh scent of leaves and lemongrass.
“Why do I want to do the Young Farmers Club? It is about instilling these values early,” she explained.
To help small businesses, the First Lady announced that her initiative, RHI, has provided a grant of N50,000 to small traders.
“It’s not a loan; it is just to help small businesses.” said the Senator.
First Lady shares RHI’s plans
The First Lady shared the upcoming plans and partnerships of the Renewed Hope Initiative with different government agencies.
RHI is teaming up with the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, and Agriculture, along with agencies like UBEC, TETFUND, NPHCDA, and AUDA-NEPAD
She thanked the governors’ wives for their important contributions to RHI’s success in their states.
Mrs. Tinubu highlighted that their dedication and hard work have been key to making it happen.
She announced that the AUDA-NEPAD/RHI Program will soon award scholarships to 200 people.
Additionally, the RHI Women Economic Empowerment Program for traders will start.
Giving N50,000 grants to 1,000 women in each state and the FCT to support small-scale traders.
Another important project is the One Nigeria Unity Fabric competition.
A winner has been chosen, and the winning design is now being made into fabric.
This production is taking place in textile factories in Kano and Lagos.
At the meeting, the First Lady asked the Governors’ wives to observe a minute of silence in honor of the late music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, who passed away late Tuesday.
RHI
The Renewed Hope Initiative is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The initiative aims to improve the lives of vulnerable people in Nigeria by focusing on key areas such as agriculture, social investment, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
RHI’s mission is to foster stability, peace, love, and care within families and society through comprehensive transformation.
The initiative operates across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, 36 states, and 774 local government areas, ensuring a grassroots approach to its programs.
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