First Lady urges Nigerians to reconsider protest

• Published On: 31 July 2024 at 19:33

Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria's First Lady, asked Nigerians on Wednesday to reconsider protests planned for August 1-10, saying the current administration is working around the clock to keep the country running.

Mrs Tinubu, who stated that the country is still dealing with the fallout from the 2020 #EndSARS protests, urged young people to be proactive and creative in taking use of Nigeria's prospects.

"But I pray that they (protesters) reconsider and do not make life difficult for those who are still going through a difficult time," the First Lady stated while meeting with Governors' Wives at the Renewed Hope Initiative's quarterly meeting at State House in Abuja.

The discussion focused on upcoming initiatives and areas of collaboration with relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies.

Her appeal came just hours before nationwide rallies over rising living costs, which are scheduled for August 1–10, 2024. The #EndBadGovernance demonstration has gained pace on social media and is set to take place in all 36 states and the federal capital territory.

However, the First Lady pleaded for patience, urging protest organisers to reconsider their approach.

"I shall ask them to be patient. We did not come here to play. We came here to work because I know we'll leave one day, and I want to go to a Nigeria that won't burden me.


"I'll be considerably older, and I want to make sure that I rest in a comfortable and pleasant environment. And that is exactly what we are doing. They (protesters) should not hinder others who rely on their daily income. So I plead to them, hoping they will see reason.

"If they're trying to be disruptive, it's between them and the law."What people don't realise is that when we whip up protests like this, we don't know what the blowback would be like," she remarked.

Mrs Tinubu maintained that Nigeria has gained significant respect in the international community, as indicated by international partners' increased interest in legal economic prospects in Nigeria.

As a result, she challenged the youth to be proactive and imaginative in grabbing these opportunities, emphasising the role of innovation and engagement in driving economic progress.

"This government has worked tirelessly to get the country back on its feet. Nigerians may not be aware that the foreign community now regards them with greater respect than in the past.

"People want to conduct business with Nigeria legally now that they know everything is on the table. This will lead to the creation of jobs. So, our youth should aim to be more engaged, creative, and active.

"So everybody has to be creative, our youth have to be seen doing something, nobody's going even to encourage and put money into the pocket of somebody who is not doing anything," she told me.

Mrs Tinubu underlined Nigerians' business spirit during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "There are so many chances in Nigeria. People made a lot of money during COVID simply by developing sanitisers and other products that people could utilise at the time.

"The opportunities are present. It's not what it used to be. People need to reach out. "And these are things we've done before," she said.

As part of the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady advocated for more youth involvement in agriculture.

She stressed the need of instilling a farming culture in young Nigerians, saying, "You can cultivate what you eat. We're taking this to the youth right now so they can embrace this culture."

Mrs Tinubu shared her personal connection to gardening, recalling her childhood memories at school farms and her fondness for fresh fragrance leaves and lemongrass.

"Why would I want to join the Young Farmers Club? She added that it is important to establish these beliefs early on.

To assist small businesses, the First Lady stated that her pet initiative, RHI, has offered a grant of N50,000 to tiny traders, noting, "It's not a loan; it's just to help small businesses."

The First Lady detailed the Renewed Hope Initiative's forthcoming initiatives and collaborations across industries.


She praised the governors' wives for their contributions to RHI's success in their different states, underlining that their devotion and hard work had been critical.



Mrs. Tinubu also emphasised RHI's partnerships with government agencies and international organisations in education, health, agriculture, and economic development.



These collaborations include working with the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, and Agriculture, as well as organisations such as UBEC, TETFUND, NPHCDA, and AUDA-NEPAD.



She also announced the upcoming unveiling of 200 grantees for the AUDA-NEPAD/RHI Scholarship Programme, as well as the commencement of the RHI Women Economic Empowerment Programme for Petty Traders, which would provide N50,000 scholarships to 1,000 women in each state and the FCT.



Other projects highlighted include the One Nigeria Unity Fabric competition, which has resulted in the selection of a winner and the start of fabric production with textile businesses in Kano and Lagos.



During the meeting, the First Lady led the Governors' wives in a minute of silence in memory of the late music star Onyeka Onwenu, who died late Tuesday.