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Oluremi Tinubu Donates ₦1 Billion to Victims of Plateau Attacks, Calls for End to Violence
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a ₦1 billion humanitarian intervention to victims of recent violent attacks in Plateau State through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). The donation is part of her broader efforts to support communities affected by killings, displacement, and unrest across the country.
Senator Tinubu made the announcement during a visit to Plateau State on Thursday, July 3, where she met with government officials, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and key community stakeholders. She was received at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos by Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other top state functionaries before proceeding to the Government House.
Addressing a gathering that included victims of the crisis, traditional rulers, and political leaders, the First Lady expressed deep empathy over the prolonged suffering in the state.
“My heart bleeds as a mother beholding orphans and widows as refugees in their own communities,” she said. “This visit is one filled with mixed emotions. I came here first as a mother whose heart breaks each time I hear of killings and bloodshed.”
Alongside the financial donation, Senator Tinubu also delivered 1,800 bags of 50kg rice to help ease food shortages among displaced families.
She used the opportunity to call for peace and the protection of women and children, urging men and traditional leaders to take active roles in ensuring safety and stability within their communities.
“Women don’t fight wars. Women don’t carry arms,” she stated. “We want to farm, raise our children, and live in peace. So I appeal to the men: do something to protect us.”
Condemning the use of violence as a means to resolve conflict, the First Lady described such actions as “evil and unfortunate,” and offered prayers for healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace across the state.
In his response, Governor Caleb Mutfwang commended the First Lady’s visit and support, describing it as “timely, impactful, and deeply appreciated.”
“We are grateful for this gesture of love and compassion,” he said. “Every naira donated will be accounted for and used solely for the benefit of the victims. This is a new chapter in our effort to restore peace in Plateau.”
The First Lady was accompanied by several dignitaries, including the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Abbas; Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the President’s Chief of Staff; and former Senator for Plateau South, Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut.
Others present were Hajiya Laylah Barau, wife of the Deputy Senate President; Senator Simon Lalong, former Governor of Plateau State; Rear Admiral Simon Bitrus Atukum (rtd), a former military administrator of the state; traditional rulers, and community leaders.
The First Lady’s visit serves as a beacon of hope for many residents still recovering from the trauma of violence and displacement, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to fostering peace and rebuilding lives in Plateau State.
The Yobe State Government has approved the enrolment of state and local government retirees into the Social Equity Programme of its health insurance scheme.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA), Babagana Tijjani, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Damaturu.
Mr Tijjani said the approval was granted by Governor Mai Mala Buni following a recommendation from the agency.
He said the initiative aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare spending among pensioners and improve access to comprehensive, quality healthcare services at YSCHMA-accredited health facilities.
According to him, the approval underscores the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of retirees by ensuring they continue to access quality healthcare after retirement.
“This approval is another demonstration of the governor’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of residents of the state,” he said.
“By bringing retirees under the social equity programme, the government is ensuring that senior citizens can access quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship.”
The executive secretary further said that the inclusion of retirees in the scheme aligned with the administration’s healthcare reform agenda and the state’s drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
He also described the development as a significant step in expanding access to healthcare and strengthening social protection.
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Mr Tijjani commended the governor for approving the initiative and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its effective implementation.
He said the YSCHMA would work closely with pension unions, relevant government institutions and healthcare providers to ensure a transparent enrolment process and seamless access to healthcare services for eligible beneficiaries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the YSCHMA was established under Yobe State Law No. 7 of 2019 to implement the state’s contributory healthcare scheme and promote equitable, affordable and qualitative healthcare services for residents.
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