First Lady, Remi Tinubu, splashes ₦4m scholarships, laptops on rescued female students, hands them over to parents
Story from Fatima Adamu, Abuja.
In a recent turn of events, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of education in countering terrorism and criminality, declaring it as a potent weapon for both individuals and communities.
Through her initiative, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the First Lady bestowed a meaningful gesture, awarding N4 million in scholarship grants and four brand-new laptops to four of the recently rescued Federal University Dutsin-Ma students. The students paid a visit to the State House in Abuja.
The meeting included the presence of parents of the rescued girls, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin Ma Katsina, and representatives of the Inspector General of Police and National Counter Terrorism Legal Officer, forming a united front in supporting those affected by kidnappings and ensuring their reintegration into society.
“My heart is filled with joy as I welcome our beloved daughters home, reuniting with their families. We grieve over the sad fate that befell you, and we join your family in celebrating your safe return,”
Expressing her joy at the safe return of the students, Senator Tinubu acknowledged the challenging period endured by the students, their families, and the entire nation since the abduction on October 5, 2023. She lauded the unwavering faith in God and the dedicated efforts of law enforcement agencies that ensured the safe return of the students.
During the meeting, the First Lady assured the rescued girls of the Federal Government’s and RHI’s commitment to providing psychological support and ensuring a smooth continuation of their education as they navigate the aftermath of over 70 days in captivity.
Addressing the students directly, Senator Tinubu encouraged them to transform this challenging episode into a story of triumph. She stressed the importance of pursuing their educational interests and pledged ongoing support from the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Senator Remi, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria said: “Beyond your safe return, we would follow up on your journey, not only to recover from this sad episode in your lives, but to see that you accomplish your mission in your educational pursuit and career interests. Already, I have been briefed on the courage you have shown so far and I encourage you to turn this episode in your lives into a story of triumph.
“You must continue to pursue your educational interests. By ensuring that you continue to learn, as we provide you with the necessary medical and psychological support, we at the Renewed Hope Initiative, (RHI) are also committed to providing you with guidance and support to reach your full potential.”
In a further demonstration of support, each rescued girl received a scholarship grant of N1 million and a new laptop from the Renewed Hope Initiative. Senator Remi Tinubu also announced financial support from the Federal Government, with N2 million allocated to each parent of the rescued girls and N1 million to the Vice Chancellor of the University.
She expressed gratitude for the safe return of the students, commending the exemplary leadership role of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the effective coordination of law enforcement agencies. Brigadier General Olutayo Adesuyi, the Representative of the National Security Adviser, highlighted the significance of the First Lady’s meeting with the rescued students, emphasizing the solidarity it demonstrated from the Federal Government’s perspective.