Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a donation of ₦100 million to support nutrition programmes in Kogi State, stressing that the humanitarian interventions under her office are financed through contributions from private individuals and organisations rather than government funds.
Mrs. Tinubu made the clarification on Saturday while addressing traditional rulers at the Government House in Lokoja during her one-day working visit to the state.
She explained that the nutrition initiative was launched with an initial ₦3 billion raised from donors, adding that more contributions have continued to strengthen the programme.
According to her, prominent businessman Tony Elumelu contributed an additional ₦1 billion to the fund, while several other well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations have also supported the initiative.
“I am not spending government money. The funds being used are donations from individuals and organisations committed to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians,” she said.
The First Lady noted that her nationwide advocacy on maternal and child nutrition has taken her to nearly every state in the country, with only Zamfara yet to be visited.
She urged the Wife of the Kogi State Governor to complement the ₦100 million donation to enable the nutrition programme reach more vulnerable women and children across the state.
Mrs. Tinubu also appealed to traditional rulers to mobilise their communities in support of the campaign, describing them as key partners in promoting healthy families and reducing malnutrition.
She commended Kogi indigenes serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying they have continued to distinguish themselves through quality service in their various ministries.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the royal fathers praised the Federal Government for the successful rescue of the abducted Oyo school pupils and welcomed renewed efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, describing the development as a major step toward Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
The meeting brought together 21 First Class and 18 Second Class traditional rulers from the 21 local government areas of Kogi State.
Also in attendance were Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo; Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olushola Enikanolaiye; the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; and other senior government officials.
