First Lady Tinubu honours service chiefs’ wives, mourns Kebbi VP

• Observes minute’s silence for VP of GGSCC Maga, Kebbi

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has praised the dedication of the Armed Forces and security agencies in safeguarding the nation. She expressed these sentiments during a special audience with the wives of the newly appointed service chiefs at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi.

She opened her remarks by solemnly acknowledging the tragic abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. She called for a moment of silence to honour the late vice-principal, marking the incident as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the nation. “It is very unfortunate and sad. Before we start this meeting, let us have a minute’s silence for the departed vice-principal,” she said.

The First Lady emphasised the gravity of the roles that the service chiefs and their wives now occupy, highlighting the sacrifices and responsibilities attached. “Your husbands signed to protect the nation and lives at the expense of their own lives. I pray that they succeed with their new responsibility and God will protect them as well,” she declared. She further encouraged the wives to provide unwavering support, underscoring their complementary roles in the fight against insecurity. “You are playing the supportive and complementary role to them. I expect that you will work hard with your husbands, hard to meet the expectations of the Commander-in-Chief and Nigerians in the fight against insecurity,” she urged.

Senator Tinubu also reminded her distinguished guests about the upcoming Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) annual Elderly Support Programme, scheduled for December, in which veterans will be beneficiaries. She encouraged them to extend care for the elderly beyond the scope of the initiative.

Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, wife of the Inspector-General of Police, responded with gratitude, appreciating the First Lady’s extensive efforts to empower vulnerable populations across Nigeria. She cited Senator Tinubu’s initiatives in awarding scholarships and providing healthcare consumables as transformative contributions.

In a related event, the First Lady was honoured at the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) headquarters in Abuja. She was decorated as the Grand Matron of the Road Safety Special Marshals by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed. Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed her appreciation, using the occasion to advocate for increased adoption of technology and stronger inter-agency collaboration to reduce road accidents. She specifically called for the enforcement of speed limits using modern technology and urged the deployment of more FRSC personnel during the upcoming yuletide period to ensure safer roads.

“The deployment of technology and more personnel during critical periods like the yuletide will help tremendously in reducing road crashes. I am hopeful to see more speed limits enforced across various roads,” the First Lady said. Her call reflects her broader commitment to public safety, complementing her efforts in national security and social welfare.