Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has said Nigeria is implementing a comprehensive inclusion of displaced members of the society.
According to her, the program is being implemented via one city at a time with their resettlement going hand in hand with empowerment and skill acquisition.
Speaking on Saturday in Keffi, Nasarawa State while inaugurating the Oluremi Tinubu Renewed Hope Resettlement City, in Yar-Kande community established by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs
She said the Resettlement City is a milestone in the nation’s effort to restore hope, dignity, safety, and patriotism to displaced Nigerians due to circumstances such as insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, and natural disasters.
Her words: “I am pleased to witness the resettlement of 40 households, comprising of 239 individuals, into a safe and dignified environment. This development reaffirms the commitment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which aims to enhance social welfare programmes for all Nigerians.
“Our work does not end here. Resettlement must go hand in hand with empowerment and skills acquisition. I am glad to learn that 100 hectares of farmland has been secured for the families to cultivate for food and income. It is also encouraging to hear that the Resettlement City is equipped with green houses, vocational training centres, a police station, a church, and a mosque. This will no doubt go a long way in helping the families to settle down and be independent.”
Mrs Tinubu called on the residents of the resettlement City to work for the progress of their host community
“To the families being resettled here today, I say: this is a new dawn. I urge you to continue to be law abiding and live peacefully with your host community.”
She presented bags of rice, clothing and other items to the residents.
The First Lady was joined at the ceremony by Nasarawa State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Sule who described the Resettlement City as not just a structure but a symbol of hope.
“Let living in the camp mold you and get you ready for the future”.
He commended the efforts of President Tinubu in the area of security pointing out that with greater cooperation from various communities, the battle will be won completely.
Also speaking, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda applauded the First Lady for her social inclusion initiatives, which has confirmed to the resettled persons that they are heard, seen and valued.
“By this gesture, you’re giving them hope and dignity and restoring a great future to the children. That’s what the President stands for and that is what true renewed hope stands for.”
On her part, Minister for Women Affairs Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, supported the First Lady’s gesture by giving business recapitalization grants of N200,000.00 to each of the 40 households.
Appreciating Mrs Tinubu on behalf of the residents, Geoffrey Bitrus said they now look forward to the future with their hope assured.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony include the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), Special Assistant to the President of National Assembly Matters, Senator Bashir Lado and UN Resident Coordinator, Mohammed Malick Fall.
Deji Elumoye
