Education

Tinubu Urges Youths to Dream Big at Dream Centre Launch

By Web News 236

By Mojisola Oladele

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commissioned the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, urging youths to dream big, work patiently, and tap into their God-given potential.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, built the centre, while the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) equipped it.

Senator Tinubu stressed inclusivity: “The Dream Centre serves not just girls but boys too. We brought books and materials—some free, others for the library.”

She shared how positive role models shaped her life, calling the centre a symbol of her journey.

The First Lady encouraged OAU students to use its resources fully, cautioning against overambition while affirming that “God has deposited everything you need to achieve your dreams inside you.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised Senator Tinubu as a pillar for President Bola Tinubu.

“Your Excellency, this Dream Centre is your living legacy,” he said, thanking her and urging OAU to partner with well-meaning individuals to attract investors.

NITDA Director General Mr. Kasifu Abdullahi and OAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Bamire highlighted President Tinubu’s education policies as Nigeria’s cornerstone for renewal and prosperity.

They described the event as a showcase of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and storytelling to preserve the nation’s history for future generations.Our correspondent reports that Senator Tinubu also commissioned 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and 10 tricycles donated to OAU, easing transport for staff and students.

The event drew Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Afolabi GhandI, Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti Oba Joseph Adewole, wives of Southwest state governors, wives of senators, wives of House of Representatives members, wives of former state governors, Ogun State APC Chairman Sooko Tajudeen Olaniyi, and other dignitaries.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Lifestyle

Tinubu Launches Fresh ₦1.9 billion Disability Empowerment

By Web News 310

By ‎Oluseyi Olarinde

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled a new round of financial empowerment for persons with disabilities, PWDs, in Oyo State under the nationwide Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme, held to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The event, held at the Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, took place simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

A total of 250 persons with disabilities in Oyo State received ₦200,000 each as business recapitalization grants, while the state also received a ₦50 million support fund for wider distribution within its disability community.

Represented in Ibadan by the wife of the Oyo State governor, Chief Tamunominini Makinde, Senator Tinubu said the initiative demonstrated the government’s commitment to building an economy that gives every Nigerian a sense of belonging.

“Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully,” she said.

She announced that 9,500 persons with disabilities nationwide would receive a total of ₦1.9 billion, describing it as one of the largest empowerment interventions targeted at Nigerians with disabilities.

Quoting American disability rights advocate Helen Keller, she added, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. A truly inclusive society is built when we stand together and create opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts.”

Senator Tinubu emphasised that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth, social protection, and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable Nigerians.

She highlighted earlier RHI interventions, noting that more than 100,000 petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, had received direct cash grants over the past two years.

“Our Social Investment Programmes have supported victims of floods, communal clashes, disasters, the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes,” she said. “Through our Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, food items have been delivered to 22 states and the FCT. We remain committed to doing even more.”

She further announced that the RHI Governing Board had approved that the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities will now hold annually on December 3.

Senator Tinubu also expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and his wife, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, for their continued support for disability inclusion.

In his welcome address, Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to inclusive governance.

“Today reminds us that disability is not inability. Every individual, regardless of physical or cognitive differences, possesses immense value,” he said.

He noted that the state maintains a deliberate quota system across education, health, employment, infrastructure, and social welfare to prevent the marginalisation of persons with disabilities.

“The Agency for Persons with Disabilities remains a hub for policy implementation, empowerment, and advocacy. Our goal is a state where every person can thrive without barriers,” Mr. Adekanmbi added.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Kayode Lawal thanked the First Lady and the government for the support, promising that recipients would use the funds responsibly to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Health

Menstrual Health: RHI Targets 370,000 Girls Nationwide

By Web News 225

By Oluseyi Olarinde

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), led by the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched “Flow with Confidence”, a menstrual health programme targeted at schoolgirls in Oyo State.

The event, held in Ibadan, brought together girls from various schools across the city.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described menstruation as natural and “a vital part of growing up for the girl child.”

She encouraged the students to embrace the acronym FLOWER—Freshen up, Learn about the cycle, Observe good pad use, Waste disposal, Eat healthily, and Reach out to parents if they experience challenges.

Dr Ajetunmobi urged the girls to “be confident and blossom like a flower during menstruation,” stressing that no one should be bullied or mocked because of their monthly cycle.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mr Oluwasegun Olayiwola, noted that girls “flow with confidence” when basic amenities such as water and accessible toilets are available in schools.

He said such provisions help students stay focused on their studies without avoidable distractions.

Representing the wife of the governor, Chief Tamunominini Makinde, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, said no girl should miss school due to menstruation.

She announced that each beneficiary would receive 12 packs of sanitary pads to last a year.

Chief Makinde appealed for empathy from the public, especially when girls face cramps during their monthly flow.

She added: “It has often been said that ‘when you educate a girl, you educate a nation.’ This is not just a proverb; it is a proven developmental fact. Educated girls grow into empowered women who drive economic growth, strengthen families, uplift communities and contribute meaningfully to national development. Therefore, any investment in the well-being, education and confidence of the girl-child is an investment in Nigeria’s development and future stability.”

Chief Makinde also highlighted the need for support when girls experience menstrual discomfort: “Some girls experience menstrual cramps… which can sometimes make learning very difficult. Simple measures such as staying hydrated, using warm compressors, gentle stretching, proper rest, and, when necessary, taking mild pain relief prescribed by a health professional, can help them cope effectively. Teachers and parents must therefore continue to support them with understanding, patience and reassurance.”

In her remarks, the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the Flow with Confidence initiative aims to reach 370,000 girls nationwide, especially in rural communities.

Senator Tinubu explained that the programme has already been introduced in several states, with each receiving 10,000 packs of sanitary pads for vulnerable girls.

She added: “The Renewed Hope Initiative spent a total of N2,550,297,150 to procure these customised disposable sanitary pads from a local manufacturing company in Lagos State. I therefore urge corporate organisations, parastatals, agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to key into the Flow with Confidence programme, so that we can empower and reach as many girls as possible.”

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu and the Oyo State governor’s wife, promising to use the pads responsibly.

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News

Senator Tinubu Mourns Arise TV Anchor

By Web News 384

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has mourned the death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a 29-year-old anchor with Arise television, who died on Monday in Abuja.

Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie, lost her life after jumping from the balcony of her residence in Katampe, in the Federal Capital Territory, while attempting to escape armed robbers attack.

In a condolence message, the First Lady described the deceased as “one of the nation’s young and brilliant minds in the journalism profession,” adding that it was painful to see her life “cut short in her prime.”

 The First Lady expressed hope that the perpetrators were apprehended as soon as possible and brought to book.

Meanwhile, The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic death of Arise News Reporter, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.

In a statement signed by the NUJ president, Mr Alhassan Yahya, Sommie, the twenty-nine year old Sommie was a brilliant, passionate, and dedicated professional who brought intellect, warmth, and integrity to her work. 

The NUJ condemns this heinous act and calls on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure that, the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

 The union noted that Nigerians deserve to live and work in safety, and the government must prioritise the security of lives and property as a matter of urgent responsibility.

Culled/Dayo Adu

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Education

Renewed Hope Initiative Launches Young Farmers Club in Oyo Schools

By Web News 372

By Oluseyi Olarinde

To revive near-extinct farming activities in schools, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), led by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, partnered with the wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, to launch the Young Farmers Club for secondary school students across the state.

Over 150 students, dressed in caps, boots, and green t-shirts, gathered at the Western Hall, House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan, for the official commissioning of the club.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Professor Soliu Adelabu, urged stakeholders in the education sector to support students in achieving the goal of food sufficiency through the “catch them young” program.

Professor Adelabu said, “Food sufficiency will be guaranteed in the nearest future if the youth are trained on how to farm.”

The wife of the Oyo State governor and state coordinator of RHI, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, highlighted the benefits of involving secondary school students in the Young Farmers Club.

She praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the initiative and called on school heads and teachers to support the students in achieving the program’s goals.

Mrs. Makinde said, “The initiative will help expand the horizon of young minds in agriculture.”

Two students, Destiny Stephen and Aishat Babalola, thanked the wife of the President and Mrs. Makinde for the program. They urged schools to establish farming classes for beneficiaries.

The students received farming tools, including watering cans, hoes, and cutlasses, as well as cash to support their agricultural activities.

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Agriculture

Renewed Hope Initiative Empowers Women Farmers in Oyo State

By Web News 317

By Seyifunmi Olarinde

The Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, led by the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has taken active steps to boost the economic empowerment of women and youths by providing support to women farmers in Oyo State.

During the program held in Ibadan, in collaboration with the office of the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, the RHI coordinator in Oyo State, Mrs. Florence Kakulu, emphasized that the initiative aims to reduce hunger in the region.

She urged beneficiaries to use the resources provided judiciously to achieve this goal.

A guest lecturer from the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Funmilola Ilori, delivered a lecture on climate support for the growth of cassava and maize.

She highlighted that Oyo State boasts vast arable land and favorable climate conditions, making it ideal for cultivating maize and cassava.

Dr. Ilori advised the women farmers to stay informed about climate patterns and choose the right crops to ensure bountiful harvests.

Another lecturer, Mrs. Abimbola Agbaje, encouraged the farmers to process their produce into value-added products such as starch, cassava chinchin, and chips to minimize waste and increase profitability.

The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce in Oyo State, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi, conveyed a message from the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde.

He stressed that the initiative has the potential to address food insufficiency if utilized effectively.

Women farmers who received cash gifts, herbicides, and farming equipment expressed their gratitude to the president’s wife and pledged to use the resources wisely.

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Economy

Renewed Hope: 250 Oyo State Elders Get 200k Grant

By Web News 425

By Seyifunmi Olarinde

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has presented two hundred thousand naira cash each to 250 Elders in Oyo State under her Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme.

During the second edition of the programme held at the Oyo State Government’s House in Ibadan, Senator Tinubu noted that the welfare programme would support the elders and the vulnerable in Society.

Represented by the wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, she called on the elderly to maintain a healthy lifestyle and always ensure that they get adequate rest and commended the medical personnel who were attending to the elders.

The First Lady identified the lack of good research, documentation and a database as a bane of seeking qualitative health services.

Senator Tinubu explained that the grant had been increased from what was given last year which was 100,000 thousand naira, considering the economic situation and to support the elders during this festive period 

Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun advised the beneficiaries to invest the money judiciously by considering investing in some medium-scale businesses.

Some of the elders, The newsletter Editor of the National Council for Women Society, Dr Lanre Sanya, and Mrs Alice Babatunde thanked the first lady for the gesture.

The highlight of the programme was the attending elders’ visit to the medical personnel on the ground at the event for various medical check-ups which included, blood sugar, high blood pressure, and malaria among others.

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