Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has urged market women across the country to resist the temptation of hiking food prices during the upcoming festive season. In a heartfelt appeal made on Saturday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Tinubu emphasized the importance of maintaining affordable prices to ensure that all Nigerians can enjoy the festive period without financial strain. Her statement was conveyed by Busola Kukoyi, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady, during an address at the 2024 Women’s Day celebration.
The First Lady’s message came as she participated in a series of events in Ebonyi State, including the inauguration of a significant infrastructure project. Tinubu unveiled the newly completed 3.1-kilometer runway at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Abakaliki, a development that she believes will enhance the socio-economic prospects of the state. “This airport is a symbol of progress, and it will usher in more economic opportunities for the people of Ebonyi and the southeastern region,” Tinubu remarked during the ceremony.
Her visit was well received by both the state government and the local population. Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State was present for the inauguration, and Tinubu took a moment to commend him for his leadership and the successful completion of the airport project. She also highlighted the governor’s commitment to gender equality, noting that Ebonyi’s leadership had surpassed the 35 percent benchmark for female appointments in public office. “His deputy governor is a woman; same for the secretary to the state government, and many others down the line,” Tinubu pointed out, praising the state for its progress in empowering women.
In addition to her remarks on gender inclusion, the First Lady also focused on the broader theme of national development, stressing that Nigeria has all the resources necessary to become a great nation. During an interactive session with traditional rulers in the state, she appealed to them to take up the mantle of leadership and guide their communities in a positive direction. “Nigeria has everything it takes for us to be a great nation. We have to continue to bless this land, and I appeal to you, our traditional rulers, to lead in that regard,” Tinubu said.
In her address, Tinubu also took the opportunity to announce several initiatives aimed at empowering women in Ebonyi State. She revealed that Governor Nwifuru had decided to grant N1 million each to 130 individuals to help them recapitalize their businesses. “This is a step in the right direction to foster economic growth and empowerment,” she noted, emphasizing the need to support local entrepreneurs and create more sustainable economic opportunities.
Tinubu’s visit was also marked by a generous donation from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which she heads. As part of the initiative’s ongoing efforts to empower women, RHI pledged N50 million, along with 20,000 wrappers, shoes, and bags, to support local businesses in Ebonyi. The donation, she explained, was intended to help women in the state strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Governor Nwifuru expressed his gratitude for the First Lady’s visit and the continued support from the Renewed Hope Initiative. “We are grateful for the attention and resources you’ve brought to our state. These initiatives will go a long way in empowering our people and promoting growth,” Nwifuru said during the event. The governor further highlighted the positive impact of the First Lady’s work, stressing the significance of her contributions to Ebonyi’s development.
