In a powerful show of compassion and action, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has rolled out a ₦1 billion rescue package and vital relief materials to victims of recent floods, fires and boat mishaps in Niger State through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

Making the symbolic presentation in Minna, Mrs Tinubu said her visit was aimed at commiserating with the government and people of the state over the tragic Mokwa flood of May 29, which claimed 153 lives, injured 11 people, and displaced more than 3,000 residents.

She expressed empathy for the affected families, saying that the true strength of a nation lies in the compassion it shows to its most vulnerable citizens. “As a mother, I share in your pains and grief, and I believe we can all overcome this tragedy,” she said.
Mrs. Tinubu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the immediate deployment of emergency relief materials and for directing the reconstruction of houses destroyed by the flood.

According to her, the latest donation which includes ₦1 billion, 2,000 bags of rice, shoes and other essential items is intended to assist affected households in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.

She also revealed that the Governing Council of the Renewed Hope Initiative, in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, had approved an economic empowerment programme targeted at 500 women in Niger State, aimed at providing them with startup grants and sustainable income opportunities.

Governor Umaru Bago acknowledged the visit and the assistance provided, noting that Niger’s unique riverine geography situated at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Kaduna exposes it regularly to flooding and other water-related disasters. He said the state had so far received ₦1 billion in disaster-response funds, 2,000 bags of rice, 16,000 wrappers and over 100 pairs of shoes for victims through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Governor Bago described the First Lady’s visit as a morale booster that reflects the responsive leadership of the current administration. “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 direction,” he said.

Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the Niger State Government, said the First Lady’s visit reflected her commitment to vulnerable Nigerians and stressed that the intervention was aimed at providing not just relief items but renewed hope for affected households.