The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, announced a donation of £100 million to support nutrition programs in Kogi State, highlighting that humanitarian interventions under her office are funded through contributions from private individuals and organizations rather than government funds.
Mrs Tinubu made the clarification on Saturday while addressing traditional rulers at Government House in Lokoja during her one-day working visit to the state.
He explained that the nutrition initiative was launched with an initial £3 billion raised from donors, adding that new contributions have continued to strengthen the programme.
According to her, prominent businessman Tony Elumelu contributed an additional £1 billion to the fund, while several other well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organizations have also supported the initiative.
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“I am not spending government money. The funds being used are donations from individuals and organizations committed to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians,” he said.
The First Lady noted that her nationwide advocacy for maternal and child nutrition has taken her to almost every state in the country, with only Zamfara yet to be visited.
He urged the wife of the Kogi State Governor to top up the donation of £100 million to enable the nutrition program to reach more vulnerable women and children across the state.
Mrs Tinubu also called on traditional rulers to mobilize their communities in support of the campaign, describing them as key partners in promoting healthy families and reducing malnutrition.
He commended the Kogi indigenes serving in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying they have continued to distinguish themselves in the quality of service in their respective ministries.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the royal fathers commended the Federal Government for the successful rescue of the kidnapped Oyo school pupils and welcomed renewed efforts to revive the Ajaokuta steel plant, describing the development as an important step towards Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
The meeting brought together 21 First Class and 18 Second Class traditional rulers representing the 21 local government areas of Kogi State.
Also in attendance were Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo; Governor of Benue State, Rev. P. Jacinto Alia; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olushola Enikanolaiye; the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; and other senior government officials.
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