Amid growing rejection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term ambition in the three regions of Northern Nigeria, the Presidency deploys his wife Remi Tinubu to entice the regions’ voters with 100 trucks load of rice and billions of naira disguised as poverty alleviation measure
By Udoka Ekeleme, Abuja
In a sustained desperate move to return to Aso Rock in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has engaged the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to commence the distribution of 100 trucks of rice and N1.2 billion as palliative support to vulnerable households across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The initiative, coordinated by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters, underscores the administration termed its ‘unwavering commitment to social welfare and national inclusion.’
Speaking at the event, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, in whose domain the initiative is being coordinated, described the intervention as a clear demonstration of compassionate leadership and a reflection of the Tinubu administration’s resolve to lift the most vulnerable.
Sani said the programme was not merely about distributing food items, but a reaffirmation that the strength of any society lies in its ability to cater for its people, especially the poor, vulnerable and those in the low-income bracket.
He commended the first lady for her unwavering dedication to humanitarian service, noting that her interventions continue to inspire hope and unity across Nigeria, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or social status, maintaining that her actions have shown that leadership goes beyond policies to practical compassion that touches lives and restores dignity.
The governor further lauded President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as courageous, visionary and committed to national renewal at a critical time in Nigeria’s history, adding that the president’s reform agenda, though challenging, is laying a solid foundation for economic recovery, social inclusion and long-term stability.
“Mr. President’s leadership reflects a deep understanding of our realities and a firm resolve to secure a better future for generations yet unborn,” Sani added.
In his goodwill message, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni sought sustained support for the President, stressing that his success translates directly into national progress.
While highlighting Tinubu’s longstanding contributions to national unity and political development, he urged Nigerians, particularly in the North, to rally behind his administration, adding, “We must support Mr. President to succeed because his success remains the success of Nigeria and as such, national unity remains non-negotiable.”
Also speaking, coordinator of the programme, Aminu Sani, urged citizens to remain steadfast in prayers and support for the administration, noting that resilience and collective commitment were crucial to building a prosperous nation.
He encouraged beneficiaries to use palliative support judiciously and to continue to uphold the values of unity, faith and national development.
In his remarks, the interim chairman of the Muslim Intellectuals Forum (MIF), Abdullahi Saleh Usman, commended the first lady for what he described as ‘a demonstration of true leadership and motherly compassion toward Nigerians.’
He noted that the palliative distribution went beyond relief materials, describing it as a lifeline and a symbol of hope for vulnerable families facing economic hardship and assured that the forum would ensure a transparent and equitable distribution of the resources to beneficiaries across the 19 northern states and the FCT.
Usman pledged the group’s continued support for President Tinubu, expressing optimism that his administration would sustain national progress and offering prayers for the president’s success in future electoral cycles.
Similarly, a forum member, Haliru Maraya, highlighted the importance of food security and the protection of lives as fundamental responsibilities of leadership, noting that the current administration had demonstrated a commitment to these areas.
He cited key appointments and interventions that have strengthened northern representation and contributed to stability and development, while pointing improvements in agriculture, education and security, including increased access to farmlands, reopening of schools and enhanced safety in previously affected communities.
He reaffirmed support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms and interventions would continue to yield positive outcomes for the region and the country at large.
The event also drew commendations from stakeholders, including the MIF, for fostering collaboration that translates government policies into tangible benefits for citizens.
The large-scale intervention is widely seen as part of the Tinubu administration’s broader efforts to cushion the effects of economic reforms, while promoting inclusive growth, just as some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the president and the first lady, describing the support as timely and impactful amid prevailing economic challenges in the country.
