The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has appealed to the elders of Plateau State to explore all avenues to ensure lasting peace in the state.
She made the appeal during a solidarity visit to Plateau State alongside the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) team to support victims of the recent unrest.
“I came in as a mother whose heart bleeds. I assure you, this will be the last time I have to visit the state for this kind of intervention, and I pray God will honor this,” she said.
“Do not give room for the serpent to enter the hedge and assault you. Mend the broken hedge. This is enough.”
Senator Tinubu praised the warmth of the state, recounting her welcome:
“Nigeria is a beautiful country. The little girl who welcomed me at the airport said, ‘Welcome to the land of peace and tourism.’ I pray that it truly remains so.”
Speaking directly to the men, the First Lady urged them to do everything within their power to protect women and children and allow them to continue with their livelihoods, including farming.
“Whatever it takes, bring peace to this land,” she emphasized.
She also charged the youth to embrace peace and national unity, referencing the second stanza of the National Anthem:
“Nigeria must hand over a banner without stain to the next generation.”
On behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the First Lady donated ₦1 billion to victims of the crisis in the state, along with food items and clothing.
In his remarks, Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the First Lady and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to peace and justice.
“Wherever the hedge has been broken, we will mend it. We will make peace with all men,” he assured.
“I take full responsibility for the funds you have brought to us. I pledge that we will not hold back. We will disburse it to those for whom it is meant, and no elite will hijack it.”
Also present at the event were the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; members of the Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers; religious leaders; market men and women; youth groups; and representatives of security agencies.
