FIRST LADY OLUREMI TINUBU VISITS OBA OF BENIN, COMMISSIONS CNG BUSES AND FLAGS OFF EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

PRESS RELEASE

FIRST LADY OLUREMI TINUBU VISITS OBA OF BENIN, COMMISSIONS CNG BUSES AND FLAGS OFF EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has laid a strong foundation for an enduring future for Nigeria through reforms and policies driven by vision over the last three years.

She stated this at the palace of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, during a one-day working visit to Edo State.

Highlighting her interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in agriculture, education, economic empowerment, health and social investment, in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the First Lady explained that the administration’s efforts are aimed at redirecting the course of the nation towards a better future.

She assured that President Tinubu’s greatest desire is to build a strong and formidable nation that guarantees a better future for all.

“Your tenure is a lifelong one, while our period here is limited. So, we are doing all that we can to see that when we finish this assignment, we too can go back to a Nigeria that is comfortable.”

The First Lady expressed hope that some RHI interventions, including the Persons with Disabilities Grants and the RHI Elderly Support Programme, scheduled for December, could be implemented through traditional rulers across the states to ensure wider grassroots reach.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu also appealed to the traditional institution to help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Syphilis, birth registration, HPV vaccination and other important health issues.

In his royal remarks, Oba Ewuare II commended the First Lady for promoting the welfare of women across the country through her interventions.

“You are a worthy example to women and girls in Nigeria.”

“Girl child education is not a waste.”

“Well-being of women and children deserve our collective attention.”

As a mark of honour, the First Lady was presented with the Benin royal beads, known as the Ikele, by the Benin Royal Court.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu subsequently proceeded to commission 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses procured by the Edo State Government to ease public transportation. She also witnessed the state government’s empowerment initiative for 5,000 women, with an allocation of ₦1 billion.

“Today, we are not merely commissioning buses; we are commissioning opportunity, mobility and hope, because behind every bus is a human story. There is a student who needs to get to school. There is a trader who needs to get to the market. There is a mother who needs to take her children to school and return to her business. There is a young person travelling to work. There is an artisan moving to a job site. There is a civil servant going to work.”

“That is why today’s event is a story of Renewed Hope. When transportation becomes more affordable and accessible, economic opportunities become a reality.”

She noted that the transition to CNG would create opportunities for technicians, engineers, drivers, mechanics, safety personnel, fleet managers and other skilled professionals, particularly young people.

“I encourage the Edo State Government to prioritise training and capacity building in these fields to unlock their full potential.”

The First Lady also expressed pleasure at the state government’s financial empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries, with each receiving ₦200,000 to strengthen livelihoods, support small businesses and promote self-reliance.

“This intervention, I am told, will reach women, youth and the vulnerable.”

SIGNED

Busola Kukoyi
SSA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Thursday, 15th October 2026