Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackling insecurity and safeguarding lives and property across the country. She stated that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, and other violent crimes through enhanced security operations and stronger international partnerships.

The First Lady made the remarks on Saturday during an engagement with traditional rulers in Ekiti State at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, as part of her one-day working visit to the state. The event brought together prominent traditional leaders, government officials, community stakeholders, and political leaders who gathered to discuss issues affecting the nation and the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace and development.

Addressing the monarchs, Senator Tinubu acknowledged the security challenges confronting the country but expressed confidence that the Federal Government was taking decisive measures to restore peace and stability. She emphasized that President Tinubu remains fully committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can live, work, and conduct business in a secure environment.

According to her, the administration has strengthened collaboration with several developed nations, including the United States and other international partners, to improve intelligence sharing, capacity building, and security operations aimed at combating criminal elements across the federation.

She noted that some of the individuals responsible for acts of terrorism and violent crimes in Nigeria are foreign nationals who have infiltrated communities and contributed to the security challenges facing the nation.

“It is painful and unfortunate that we are confronted with insecurity in different parts of the country. However, I want Nigerians to know that the Federal Government is not resting. Many friendly nations, including the United States and other developed countries, are supporting our efforts. Some of those terrorising our communities are not Nigerians, but regardless of the challenges, we shall overcome because Nigeria is too great to be intimidated by criminal elements,” she said.

The First Lady assured the traditional rulers that President Tinubu is personally involved in efforts to address insecurity and often spends long hours working with security agencies and government officials to develop solutions.

She stressed that the President’s commitment to restoring peace is unwavering and that he continues to dedicate significant time and energy to addressing the nation’s challenges.

“Let us remember that Nigeria remains a great nation. Every country faces challenges, but what matters is how we confront them. The President is working tirelessly. There are days he barely rests, sleeping in the early hours of the morning because of the responsibilities before him. He is fully committed to resolving these issues and ensuring that Nigerians can live in peace and safety. We must continue to pray for our nation because prayers have played a significant role in sustaining us through difficult times,” she stated.

Senator Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers of Ekiti State for their support for President Tinubu’s administration and Governor Biodun Oyebanji. She noted that the backing of traditional institutions remains critical to effective governance and national development.

The First Lady praised the monarchs for their contributions to peacebuilding, community development, and social stability, describing them as important partners in governance.

“We are grateful to the people of Ekiti State for the tremendous support they have given to President Tinubu and this administration. Kabiyesi, I sincerely appreciate your love, wisdom, and continuous support for Mr. President and Governor Oyebanji. Your leadership and guidance have contributed significantly to the peace and progress we are witnessing in the state,” she said.

During her address, Senator Tinubu highlighted several interventions carried out under her Renewed Hope Initiative, a programme designed to support vulnerable groups, promote education, empower women and youth, and improve the welfare of Nigerians.

She disclosed that one of the major projects executed by the initiative in Ekiti State is the construction of a modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre at Ekiti State University. According to her, the facility is aimed at enhancing digital learning opportunities for students and preparing young people for the demands of the modern economy.

In addition, she revealed that scholarships and educational support worth over N200 million had been provided to students in the institution, helping to expand access to higher education and encourage academic excellence.

The First Lady also highlighted economic empowerment programmes targeted at traders and small business owners. She stated that approximately 2,000 traders in Ekiti State had benefited from grants of N50,000 each under the initiative to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Beyond traders, she noted that the programme continues to support elderly citizens, persons living with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups through various welfare and empowerment schemes designed to improve their standard of living.

“Our Renewed Hope Initiative is focused on creating opportunities and improving lives. We have built an ultra-modern ICT centre at Ekiti State University to support digital education and innovation. We have also invested over N200 million in scholarships and educational support for students. Furthermore, thousands of traders have received grants to strengthen their businesses, while vulnerable groups continue to benefit from our empowerment programmes,” she explained.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, commended Senator Tinubu for her commitment to humanitarian service and community development through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The monarch also used the opportunity to call for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture. He urged the Federal Government to review existing laws on kidnapping and related crimes to ensure stiffer penalties for offenders and those who aid criminal activities.

According to him, while criminality exists in every society, the growing threat of kidnapping requires stronger legal frameworks and more effective enforcement measures.

He further advocated for the speedy passage of legislation establishing state police, arguing that decentralized policing would enable faster responses to security threats and enhance community protection.

The traditional ruler expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and pledged the continued support of Ekiti’s traditional institution for the administration.

Describing the President as a leader destined for the moment, Oba Adu-Alagbado said the traditional rulers stand firmly behind him and remain optimistic that his policies and reforms will yield lasting benefits for the nation.

The visit was attended by several high-ranking government officials and dignitaries, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Wife of the Vice President Hajia Nana Shettima, Ekiti State First Lady Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, and other political and community leaders.

The event underscored the importance of collaboration between government institutions and traditional authorities in addressing national challenges and promoting sustainable development across the country.

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