First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Engages Lagos Traditional, Religious Leaders — Says Renewed Hope Initiative Interventions Are Non-Political

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Engages Lagos Traditional, Religious Leaders — Says Renewed Hope Initiative Interventions Are Non-Political

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated that all interventions by her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) are non-partisan and are designed solely to improve the lives of Nigerian families.

Speaking during an interactive session with traditional rulers and religious leaders in Lagos on Friday, Mrs. Tinubu described the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution as a “unique opportunity” to clearly define the constitutional role of traditional rulers in nation-building.

According to her, traditional and religious leaders are the closest to the grassroots as custodians of culture and morality, and their influence remains critical in mobilizing communities for social progress.

The First Lady also urged them to intensify advocacy on health-related issues, particularly tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS testing, and uptake of HPV vaccines for young girls. She further highlighted upcoming RHI projects such as the Green Nigeria Challenge, aimed at promoting environmental responsibility, and the Flow With Confidence programme, which will provide adolescent girls in rural areas with a year’s supply of sanitary pads to reduce school absenteeism during menstruation.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who welcomed the First Lady, commended her efforts under RHI across agriculture, health, education, social investment, and economic empowerment. He particularly noted the empowerment of women and youths in agriculture through the Young Farmers Club, her consistent support for the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and cervical cancer, as well as scholarship programmes targeted at the girl-child.

Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu and Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, appealed to Mrs. Tinubu to extend her advocacy to alternative schools for boys, just as she has been championing girl-child education.

The First Lady is scheduled to continue her visit to Lagos on Saturday, August 23, with the RHI/SDG Women Empowerment Programme, where 500 women are expected to benefit, alongside the commissioning of the Lagos State Leather Hub.