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.
Two promising Nigerian midfielders, Raheem Moyinoluwa Salaudeen and Fawas Ayomide Adeleke, have attracted significant attention in the United Kingdom after impressing during a football trial, with both youngsters now being considered for scholarship opportunities that could combine their football development with further education.
The teenage midfielders, who are products of Buruj Sports Academy, caught the attention of the technical team with their performances during the trial, opening the door to what could become a major step forward in their young careers.
Following their impressive showing, Anthony Williams MSC, Director of UK Football Trials, approached the players over a potential scholarship opportunity, with discussions now ongoing with their management representatives.
The proposed scholarships would give the two youngsters an opportunity to continue their football development in the United Kingdom while also pursuing further education, providing a pathway that could prove crucial to their ambitions of becoming professional footballers.
Salaudeen, born on May 13, 2010, has already built an impressive international résumé despite his young age.
The midfielder represented Nigeria at U-15 level during a two-legged international friendly against Morocco in 2024 before featuring for the country at the All African School Games in Algeria in 2025.
His performances subsequently earned him a call-up to the Nigeria U-17 set-up for a four-nation international invitation tournament in China in 2026.
Salaudeen has also gained experience beyond youth international football, having featured in Nigeria’s Nationwide League One, giving him an opportunity to compete against older and more experienced players.
Adeleke, born on April 20, 2011, has followed a similarly impressive path.
The young midfielder represented Nigeria at U-15 level against Morocco in 2024 and was also part of the Nigerian team at the African Schools Football Championship in 2025.
Like Salaudeen, Adeleke has already stepped into senior football through appearances in the Nationwide League One despite still being a teenager.
That combination of youth international experience and exposure to senior football has now helped place both players firmly on the radar in the United Kingdom.
Their latest trial has therefore become more than just another opportunity to showcase their ability.
It could potentially open the door to a new football and educational environment where they can continue developing their technical and tactical qualities while preparing academically for their future.
Both players have completed their secondary education in Nigeria and are now looking ahead to the possibility of beginning the next chapter of their lives in the United Kingdom.
For Salaudeen and Adeleke, the opportunity comes at a crucial stage in their development, with both youngsters determined to take full advantage of the interest generated by their performances.
Their journey from representing Nigeria at youth international level, to gaining valuable senior experience in the NLO, and now attracting scholarship interest in the United Kingdom, underlines the progress made by the two Buruj Sports Academy products.
With discussions over the proposed scholarships continuing, the young Nigerians now have an opportunity that could take their careers to another level.
And if they can build on the promise that attracted attention during their UK trial, Salaudeen and Adeleke could be taking their first major steps towards turning their dream of professional football into reality.
PRESS RELEASE—As part of efforts to promote preventive healthcare and early detection of diseases, AXA Mansard Health has taken its hepatitis awareness campaign to Bariga, Lagos, providing residents with free screening, health education and support services.
The initiative, organised to commemorate World Hepatitis Day 2026, reflects the health management organisation’s continued focus on improving access to preventive healthcare, particularly in communities where routine screening and health information may be limited.
Residents who participated in the outreach received free hepatitis screening and were educated on prevention, diagnosis and the importance of seeking timely medical attention.
The programme also extended beyond medical intervention, with relief packages distributed to vulnerable families in the community as part of efforts to provide immediate support to beneficiaries.
According to AXA Mansard Health, taking health education and screening directly to communities is critical to closing gaps in awareness and access to preventive services.
The initiative underscores the growing importance of preventive healthcare in Nigeria, where delayed diagnosis and limited access to routine screening can worsen the health and financial consequences of treatable diseases.
For insurers and health maintenance organisations (HMOs), greater emphasis on prevention and early detection could also help reduce long-term healthcare costs by encouraging timely intervention before illnesses become more severe.
The Bariga outreach therefore highlights a broader shift in healthcare delivery towards awareness, screening and early intervention rather than treatment after diseases have advanced.
AXA Mansard Health said it would continue to support initiatives that equip Nigerians with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their health.
The organisation stressed that sustained public education and improved access to screening are essential to preventing hepatitis from progressing into serious and potentially life-threatening conditions.
The campaign also demonstrates the role of private-sector, early detection and preventive care.