The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged political leaders to prioritise the interests of Nigerians over party loyalty in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking on Friday at a stakeholders’ meeting of her Renewed Hope Initiative in Lagos, which brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, lawmakers, and political figures, Senator Tinubu stressed that governance must be people-centred.
“Party aside, once we win an election, people should put party aside and let’s run the government. The government involves people, and through the grace of God, the Renewed Hope Initiative will be able to change the mindset of opposition states. We are all working together to make sure this programme gets to the grassroots,” she said.
The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to supporting programmes that promote peace, development, and citizens’ welfare. She assured participants that their requests would be carefully considered and that her office would continue engaging all stakeholders.
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the meeting as timely, noting that it coincided with Isese Week, a celebration of Yoruba traditional culture. He emphasised the importance of engaging traditional and religious leaders, whom he called “critical stakeholders in governance.”
“Their prayers are with us. It is not a coincidence that this visit comes during Isese Week. It shows our traditional institution is alive and vibrant. We also recognise our religious leaders, and this government values your interventions in all spheres of life,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu commended the First Lady for her impact through the Renewed Hope Initiative, highlighting its nationwide programmes for vulnerable groups. “Our First Lady has birthed new ideas and levels of governance using her office. Her initiative is touching lives and bringing hope, especially to the elderly and vulnerable,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, praised the First Lady for her projects across the country. He also presented requests from monarchs, including a constitutional role for traditional institutions, improved welfare, youth empowerment, girl-child education, leadership training, and legal recognition of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
