. How I raised the funds – First Lady
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated N4.15 billion to various health initiatives and humanitarian causes this year alone.
Since assuming office as Nigeria’s First Lady on May 29, 2023, Remi Tinubu has embarked on nationwide outreach through her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative, with donations amounting to billions of naira.
The First Lady said the donations are not sourced from public funds but are instead raised personally to support those in need.
She said her love for the country is not political, but about how the country has blessed her.
While the donations have earned her praise in some quarters, they have also sparked public debate, with critics questioning the sources of the funds, especially as the Office of the First Lady is not officially recognised by Nigeria’s constitution and receives no statutory allocation in the national budget.
N1bn for Niger disaster victims
Her most recent donation was made in Niger State on Tuesday, where she contributed N1 billion along with relief materials to victims of various disasters.
During a symbolic presentation in Minna, Tinubu explained that the purpose of her visit was to condole the government and people of the state over the devastating Mokwa flood disaster, which claimed several lives and displaced many families.
She expressed empathy for the victims, saying, “As a mother, I share in your pains and grief, and I believe we all can overcome this tragedy.”
The first lady acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s swift response to the disaster, particularly his approval for the immediate release of flood relief items and the reconstruction of destroyed homes.
She disclosed that the donation, which included N1 billion, 2,000 bags of 50kg rice, and shoes, was aimed at directly supporting and assisting the affected individuals.
“The strength of a nation lies in its compassion, and in moments like this, we must all be our brothers’ keepers,” she said.
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 to support 500 women.
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State expressed gratitude to the first lady for her visit.
Bago highlighted the state’s unique geography, noting that Niger is the only riverine state with tributaries of both the River Niger and the River Kaduna, factors that make it more susceptible to flooding.
While commending the first lady’s efforts, he said the Renewed Hope Initiative had positively impacted many lives across the country.
“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 path,” he said.
The governor confirmed that the state had received N1 billion in its emergency response account, along with 2,000 bags of rice, 16,000 wrappers, and over 100 pairs of shoes for the disaster victims.
The Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, described Mrs. Tinubu’s visit as a clear demonstration of deep compassion and commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, particularly women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
“This initiative speaks volumes about her vision for a more inclusive and resilient Nigeria; the humanitarian relief provides both material aid and emotional strength,” he said.
The Mokwa flood, which occurred on May 29, resulted in the death of about 200 people, the displacement of households, and affected a total of 3,018 individuals.
Other disasters that occurred at different times in the state included fire outbreaks and boat mishaps.
N1bn for victims of Benue attacks
On July 29, the first lady donated N1 billion to victims of the deadly attack in Yelwata community, located in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Over 100 people were killed during the night of June 13 and the early hours of June 14, 2025, in the rural community.
Remi Tinubu made the donation during a condolence visit to the state, held at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi.
She also pledged additional support through her Renewed Hope Initiative to address the recurring cross-border attacks and ensure that displaced children are able to return to school.
N1bn for Plateau victims
Also on July 3, Remi Tinubu donated N1 billion to victims of various attacks across Plateau State.
She announced the donation during a visit to Jos, the state capital, where she extended her condolences to the victims and the Plateau State Government.
The state has witnessed a series of violent attacks, leading to the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of property.
The First Lady appealed to traditional leaders to actively work towards achieving lasting peace in the state.
“God will help you to protect and preserve this land. I pray that Plateau State will flourish, and Nigeria will grow in peace and unity,” she said at the Plateau State Government House.
N1bn to fight Tuberculosis
In March 2025, the first lady donated an additional N1 billion to support ongoing efforts to eradicate Tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria.
Mrs. Tinubu announced the donation during a community outreach programme in Sauka, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2025 World TB Day.
This marked the second consecutive year she has made such a commitment. In 2024, she pledged the same amount during her investiture as the Global and National Stop TB Champion.
“At this juncture, I would like to pledge an additional N1 billion from the RHI towards the fight against Tuberculosis in Nigeria,” she said.
N100m to advance arts education
In May, Mrs Tinubu pledged N100 million through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to support the Five Cowries Art Education Initiative.
The announcement was made at a charity gala dinner hosted by the Spouses of Heads of Mission in Nigeria at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
She called on the public to support arts education through donations, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
“On behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative, we pledge N100 million to support 5,000 arts exhibitions across Nigeria,” she said.
Tinubu commended the organisers for their commitment to empowering vulnerable groups and praised the vision of Five Cowries founder, Polly Alakija, for her dedication to bringing arts education to underserved communities.
N50m for 1,000 women traders in Kaduna
In February, Remi Tinubu gave a grant of N50 million to support 1,000 women petty traders in Kaduna State. The grant was disbursed through the First Lady of Kaduna State, Hafsat Uba Sani.
Mrs. Tinubu directed the Kaduna First Lady, who also serves as the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to give N50,000 each to the beneficiaries to recapitalise their existing businesses.
How I raise funds – First Lady
Remi Tinubu clarified that the funds she donates are not sourced from government accounts but are instead raised under her Renewed Hope Initiative to help Nigerians in need.
Speaking during her N1 billion donation to victims of various attacks in Plateau State, Mrs Tinubu said that it would amount to greed if she chose to keep the funds for personal gain.
She said, “Today, I have come with a donation of N1 billion for the Renewed Hope Initiative. I do not have vast sums of money, but what I have is meant to bring life, not to pour money into a basket.
“If I kept money for personal gain, it would only serve to satisfy greed. But my goal is to use the resources I have for good, for the development of this country, not to waste them.
“Please understand that the money I have for this initiative is not government funds. It is money I have personally raised to help others. As I continue to travel and see the impact of our work, I ask for your prayers as we seek to make a lasting change.”
(Daily Trust)
