The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on the National Assembly to formally establish constitutional and legal recognition for the Office of the First Lady at both the federal and state levels.
She urged lawmakers to consider a legislative framework similar to that of the United States, where the role is institutionally acknowledged and supported.
Speaking after her second quarterly strategic meeting with the wives of state governors and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), held at the State House in Abuja, Senator Tinubu highlighted the importance of formalising the office to enhance its capacity for nationwide impact.
She noted that official recognition would enable the First Lady’s office to function more efficiently and access more resources for socio-economic interventions.
“We are wives who desire the success of our husbands. They are like trees, and we are the branches perched on them,” she said. “Through the RHI, we have done the best we can with the funds at our disposal. For instance, we awarded N1 million scholarships to 47 underprivileged students. With additional support, we could extend our reach even further.”
The First Lady stressed that greater institutional support and funding would allow her Renewed Hope Initiative to deliver more far-reaching interventions, particularly those targeting women, youth, and other vulnerable segments of society.
Turning to recent national security concerns, Senator Tinubu condemned the renewed wave of violence in Borno and Plateau States, describing the killings as horrific and morally reprehensible.
“What we are witnessing is sheer evil,” she stated. “As mothers and women, we must intensify our prayers for the nation. These attacks are not new, but their resurgence at a time when Nigeria is gradually stabilising raises serious concerns. Why now, when progress is being made and the world is beginning to take us seriously?”
She appealed to Nigerian women to step up their roles as peacebuilders and advocates, encouraging increased prayer, vigilance, and collective action to foster peace, national healing, and unity.
During the meeting, the First Lady expressed appreciation to the wives of state governors for their continued support and collaboration in executing grassroots initiatives. She encouraged them to amplify their advocacy efforts, especially in addressing critical public health issues such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, syphilis, and cervical cancer.
As part of her upcoming programmes, Senator Tinubu announced the “Flow With Confidence” initiative, which will provide 10,000 cartons of sanitary pads to each state for distribution to adolescent girls, particularly in underserved rural communities. This initiative is aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and ensuring that no girl is held back by her biological cycle.
In addition, she revealed plans to inaugurate the RHI Environment Club/Society, a youth-centered campaign designed to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and instill eco-friendly values in young Nigerians.
The high-level meeting was attended by the wife of the Vice President, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the wife of the Deputy Senate President, and 24 wives of state governors, all of whom reiterated their commitment to collaborative development efforts.