The wife of the president of Nigeria, Oluremi TinubuThe distribution of £500 million as relief and resettlement packages to 500 families in Plateau State has begun.
The packages were distributed to beneficiaries in six local government areas (LGAs) of Bassa, Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu and Jos South, which were affected by communal conflicts and other insecurity challenges.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday in Jos, Mrs Tinubu said the distribution was part of the activities of her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), launched in June to improve the lives of Nigerians.
“RHI’s £500m financial support is a modest step towards helping these families rebuild their lives by providing them with the means to secure shelter,” he said.
He expressed concern over the insecurity situation in Plateau, which led to loss of livelihood and shelter and displaced communities.
According to her, concrete steps must be taken to offer respite to those affected, something President Tinubu’s administration has committed to achieving.
Mrs Tinubu added that the measures taken included dialogue and other reconciliation measures to find lasting solutions to the situation not only in Plateau but in the entire country.
”Homes are destroyed, lives are disrupted and countless families are displaced and without the basic needs necessary to survive.
”In times like this, it is not enough to simply empathize and offer condolences.
“We must take concrete measures to alleviate the sufferings of those affected and that is why we are here today to offer support,” he said.
The First Lady urged privileged Nigerians to also offer assistance to the internally displaced, to enable them to return to their communities and rebuild their lives.
Mrs Tinubu added that Nigerians should harness diversity to overcome challenges that threaten the unity of the country.
In his words, the agricultural module of the RHI would provide 20 selected farmers across states with subsidies, fertilizers and other agricultural inputs based on their specialization.
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In his remarks, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau said selecting the state governed by the opposition party was an indication that governance was more important than political differences.
“After politics, we must address governance, particularly the well-being of the people,” he said.
He admonished the beneficiaries to share with others as custodians of their siblings and make good use of the intervention, adding that the beneficiaries would be monitored to ensure that they use the funds according to their objective.
He commended the president’s wife for her kindness and urged her to continue showing concern for those in need, adding that others should emulate her passion for the internally displaced.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang-Buba, who is also the Chairman of the Plateau Council of Chiefs and Emirs, thanked Mrs Tinubu for the intervention and concern over the challenges facing the state.
(YAYA)