Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has shed light on her recent visits to former military leaders, Generals Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, in Minna, Niger State.
She described the visits as personal, without any political undertones, emphasizing the need to pay respects to the nation’s elder statesmen.
Accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Senator Tinubu was received at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport by Niger State Governor, Muhammed Umar Bago, and his wife.
From there, they proceeded to the residences of Babangida and Abubakar for closed-door meetings.At General Babangida’s uphill residence, the First Lady and her entourage held a private meeting with the former head of state for over an hour.
They later moved to Abdulsalami Abubakar’s residence, where they were welcomed by former First Lady, Justice Fati Lami Abubakar.
Another 90-minute closed-door discussion followed before the delegation visited the Niger State Government House.
A Tribute to National Leaders
Speaking about the visit, Senator Tinubu described Babangida and Abubakar as “fathers of the nation” and stated that her visit was long overdue.
“It is right for me to come here to greet them because they are fathers of the nation. I had always intended to visit, but duties had kept me occupied,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation for the former leaders’ continued support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “The Nigerian leaders have been very supportive of the government of President Bola Tinubu and have always encouraged Mr. President,” she added.
In response, General Abubakar praised the First Lady for her dedication to national development, describing her as “Nigeria’s No. 1 ambassador.” He commended her efforts in engaging governors’ wives in various initiatives and promoting the well-being of young children across the country.
Humanitarian Gesture: N100m Donation to Disaster Victims
During her visit to the Niger State Government House, Senator Tinubu demonstrated her commitment to humanitarian causes by donating N100 million to victims of recent disasters in the state.
She also expressed appreciation for the former leaders’ continued support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “The Nigerian leaders have been very supportive of the government of President Bola Tinubu and have always encouraged Mr. President,” she added.
In response, General Abubakar praised the First Lady for her dedication to national development, describing her as “Nigeria’s No. 1 ambassador.” He commended her efforts in engaging governors’ wives in various initiatives and promoting the well-being of young children across the country.
The affected communities include those impacted by a tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government, an explosion in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government, and a mine collapse in Allawa, Munya Local Government.
Senator Tinubu directed that each affected family receive N1 million, while the remaining N30 million be used for food and essential supplies, to be disbursed by Niger State First Lady, Hajia Fatima Bago.
She urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid scooping fuel in the event of tanker accidents, emphasizing the dangers associated with such actions.
Governor Mohammed Bago expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s gesture, assuring that the funds would be distributed transparently to those in need.
“We thank you for coming to share in our pain over the tanker explosion in Dikko, the dynamite explosion in Sabon-Pegi, and the collapsed mine in Munya,” he stated.
Senator Tinubu’s visit to Niger State underscores her commitment to national unity, respect for past leaders, and the well-being of Nigerians affected by disasters.
