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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.
Nigerian youngster Godwin Raphael Itotomi has taken a significant step in his football career after completing a move to French club Stade de Reims, where he will continue his development with the club’s youth setup.
Sports247 reports that the highly-rated centre-back, who captained Grassrunners FC of Ogun State, officially signed his contract with the French outfit and is expected to feature for Stade de Reims Révélations, the club’s reserve and youth development team competing in the Groupe Élite Championnat des Réserves Professionnelles.
The transfer marks another milestone for the promising defender, whose leadership qualities and commanding performances at the heart of Grassrunners FC’s defence earned him recognition and opened the door to European football.
Renowned for his composure on the ball, strong aerial presence, tactical awareness and ability to organise the backline, Itotomi now has the opportunity to further develop his game in one of Europe’s respected youth development environments.
The move is expected to expose him to a higher level of competition and professional coaching as he works towards breaking into senior football.
Speaking on the move, those close to the player believe the switch to France represents the perfect platform for the young defender to realise his enormous potential.
Joining Stade de Reims provides him with access to world-class training facilities and a structured development pathway that has produced several top talents over the years.
For Grassrunners FC and Ogun State football, the transfer is another testament to the quality of young players being nurtured at the grassroots level. It also reinforces the growing reputation of Nigerian academies in producing talented footballers capable of earning opportunities with European clubs.
As he begins life in Reims, located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, Itotomi will be aiming to adapt quickly to his new environment, impress the coaching staff and establish himself as a key figure in the club’s youth ranks.
The move is expected to serve as an important stepping stone in his career, with the long-term ambition of progressing into Stade de Reims’ first team and eventually making his mark at the highest level of European football.
For Nigerian football enthusiasts, Godwin Raphael Itotomi’s transfer is another encouraging success story, highlighting the increasing pathway from grassroots football to elite European clubs.
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