Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pledged to sustain her advocacy for women, children and vulnerable Nigerians, highlighting ongoing interventions in education, healthcare, skills development and economic empowerment.
The First Lady made the commitment during a visit to the Benin Palace, where she was received by the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, as part of activities marking the monarch’s 10th anniversary on the throne.
Tinubu, who was in Edo State at the invitation of Governor Monday Okpebholo to commission newly acquired Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, said her public service responsibilities had strengthened her resolve to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
She congratulated Oba Ewuare II on his 10th coronation anniversary, praying for his continued good health, long life, peace and prosperity.
“Serving in public office comes with significant responsibilities, but I believe that when God gives an assignment, He also provides the strength and wisdom to fulfil it,” she said.
Drawing on her 12 years in the legislature, the First Lady said she understood the challenges of lawmaking but noted that the executive arm of government had the opportunity to deliver direct and immediate benefits to citizens.
She said the Federal Government’s development agenda included initiatives aimed at improving living conditions, reducing transportation costs through CNG buses and promoting sustainable development.
Tinubu also outlined programmes implemented through her foundation and other initiatives to support women, young people, farmers, small business owners and vulnerable groups.
According to her, the interventions cover agriculture, education, digital skills, entrepreneurship and financial assistance for petty traders and small-scale entrepreneurs.
She said efforts had also been directed towards scholarships, girls’ education, information and communication technology training, vocational skills, employment opportunities and support for persons with disabilities and older citizens.
On healthcare, the First Lady highlighted initiatives covering HIV/AIDS awareness, cancer prevention, immunisation, HPV vaccination, nutrition and maternal and child health.
She added that her programmes included support for breastfeeding mothers, improved child nutrition and scholarships for medical professionals seeking specialist training.
Tinubu stressed the importance of collaboration among government institutions, traditional rulers, communities and development partners in delivering sustainable social interventions.
She described her return to the Benin Palace as a special moment and prayed for continued unity, progress and prosperity in Edo State and Nigeria.
In his response, Oba Ewuare II praised the First Lady for her international engagements, saying her representation of Nigeria had contributed positively to the country’s image abroad.
The monarch, whose address was read by his daughter, Princess Ikuoyemwen Aimiuwu Ewuare, called for a strategic partnership between the Office of the First Lady and the Oba Ewuare II Foundation to expand programmes supporting women, children, families and other vulnerable groups.
He particularly commended the recognition Tinubu received from United States President Donald Trump, describing it as a source of national pride.
The Oba explained that his foundation was established to preserve Edo cultural values and dignity while improving the welfare of the people through education, empowerment and social development.
He listed the foundation’s interventions to include scholarships for children and young people, promotion of Edo language education, vocational training, skills acquisition and the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.
According to the monarch, collaboration with the First Lady’s office would strengthen existing programmes and extend assistance to more people in need.
He emphasised that empowering women, protecting children and providing young people with access to education and economic opportunities were critical to building stronger families and securing Nigeria’s future.
Oba Ewuare II reaffirmed the Benin traditional institution’s commitment to working with government and relevant organisations to promote peace, justice, unity and national development.
As a mark of honour and appreciation, the monarch presented Tinubu with a traditional Benin coral bead during the palace reception.
He also prayed for divine guidance, wisdom and strength for the First Lady as she continued her public service, wishing her entourage a safe journey.
