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• host children to Christmas branch, says “I want our children to see themselves as heroes”
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has hailed the swift rescue of recently abducted schoolchildren as the fastest in the country, praising President Bola Tinubu’s relentless efforts.
She made the remarks while hosting the third annual special Christmas brunch for children from foster homes in the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday, urging Nigerians to embrace love, compassion, and unity during the festive season.
At the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu reiterated her long-held tradition of dedicating this event exclusively to vulnerable children, explicitly excluding children of ministers or privileged backgrounds. “I have not invited ministers’ children or those from wealthy families. This is for those who really need it,” she told reporters.
The First Lady engaged the children in a reading session from her book, The Christmas Story, which creatively reimagines the story of Jesus’ birth featuring Nigerian characters. “I wanted to create a Christmas story where the heroes are blacks, where children could see themselves in the story. We own this story with our rich culture and tradition,” she explained.
The First Lady stressed the importance of instilling pride in heritage and identity in the young ones. “It is my culture that really gives me good self-esteem. I know who I am and whose I am.”
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Each child introduced their ambitions, ranging from doctors and engineers to pastors, bakers, soldiers, lawyers, and even the president. The celebration included a feast of jollof rice, fried rice, Chinese noodles, sweet treats, and gifts from the First Lady, alongside appearances by Santa Claus.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the event, Mrs. Tinubu shifted focus to the troubling surge in abductions, praising the government’s response:
“It is very sad, it’s disheartening. But you can see, Mr. President has done the needful. They’ve gone after them. Nigeria is a big, huge population — over 250 million people, close to the population of the U.S. When you look at that, we are working seven days a week here. But I’m glad that I could even celebrate in Ile Ife recently; the Ooni gave me that day. We’ve been working hard. We want to see every child safe.”
She expressed hope for the country’s future through these children: “All those students here are ready. They said, ‘I want to be a soldier.’ They are ready to protect the nation. They see what is going on and are planning, how do we arrest this? Before you get me, I’m going to get you. That’s what they’re saying.”
Mrs. Tinubu further emphasised the importance of giving and humility in leadership, reflecting on her own upbringing and values:
“You think because I have something, I give? At times, I give to zero. But why do I give? Because most people, when blessed, want to associate with those who are like them, but not me. I always hold onto my foundation because when you fly high, you can fall like Humpty Dumpty. When you know who you are, you’re proud of your heritage and can share the favour God has given you.”
Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the rescue of the abducted children as a symbol of national resilience, tying it directly to the security challenges. “You think I don’t want a safe society? I do. I do. And you can see all those students, they are ready for you. They said ‘I want to be a soldier.’ They are ready for you. And that’s the message. They see what is going on. And they too are planning. How do we, you know, arrest this? So before you get me, I’m going to get you. That’s what they’re saying.”
The First Lady closed by encouraging Nigerians to reach out to the less privileged in the coming year, inspired by a sermon from her favorite preacher:
“We must start helping the common man. Next year should be a year Nigerians reach out. Why do people not give?”
