NIGERIA’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday donated N1 billion to victims of violent attacks in Plateau State, declaring that her commitment to the country is driven by love, not politics.
Speaking at the Government House in Rayfield, Jos, the First Lady said the funds were raised through her Renewed Hope Initiative and not sourced from government coffers.
She said, “This visit is one filled with mixed emotions for me. I came here first as a mother whose heart bleeds each time I hear about killings, violence, or bloodshed.
Mrs. Tinubu announced the donation, which also included food items and clothing, on behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) when she and the RHI team visited the state in solidarity and to lend a helping hand.
This was disclosed in a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, on Thursday.
During the visit, the first lady appealed to the elders of the state to pursue all avenues to ensure peace is maintained in the communities.
“I come in as a mother whose heart bleeds. I assure you, this is the last time I will have to visit the state for this kind of intervention. And I pray God will honour this.
“Do not give room to the serpent to enter the edge and assault you. Mend the broken edge. This is enough. Nigeria is a beautiful country. The little girl who welcomed me at the airport said, ‘Welcome to the land of peace and tourism.’ I pray this will be so,” the statement quoted her as saying.
“The First Lady of Nigeria, on behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), then donated N1bn to victims of the clashes in the State in addition to food items and clothing,” it added.
The President’s wife urged the men to do all they could to keep the women and children safe and allow them to continue with their trade, including farming.
“Whatever it takes, bring peace to this land,” she added.
She also urged the youth to embrace peace and national unity.
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwuang, assured the wife of the President that his government and people would continue to forge peace and unity.
Mutfwuang also said that the funds would be put to good use.
“Wherever the edge has been broken, we will mend it. We will make peace with all men. I take full responsibility for the funds you have brought to us.
“I pledge that we will not hold back. We will disburse it to those for whom it is meant, and no elite will hijack it,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Also present at the event were the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shetimma, Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers, religious leaders, market men and women, youth groups and representatives of the security agencies.