Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi “Remi” Tinubu, has stepped into the humanitarian spotlight with a ₦1 billion donation to communities displaced by the recent violent attack in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State
The announcement came during her condolence visit on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi. In her address, Tinubu confirmed that the substantial sum as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) was personally raised, not drawn from government coffers
The funding aims to assist survivors of the June 13–14 assault on Yelewata, which tragically claimed over 100 lives. It is intended to provide displaced families with essential support food, shelter, healthcare, vocational training and help them restore their livelihoods
Governor Hyacinth Alia and other state officials received Tinubu, who also pledged continued collaboration with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to seek lasting peace in the region. She emphasized that RHI’s efforts will extend to supporting school-age children and promoting recovery and development in affected communities
As the Yelwata tragedy underscores ongoing insecurity and displacement challenges in central Nigeria, the RHI donation is a strategic humanitarian intervention aimed at helping families regain stability. Its transparent disbursement is to be overseen jointly by RHI and state authorities to ensure proper delivery and impact
Tinubu called on other private organisations and philanthropists to follow suit, stressing that collective responsibility can make a meaningful difference in addressing the region’s humanitarian crisis
📌 Why This Matters
- The attack on Yelewata in June displaced over a hundred individuals and deepened the region’s security crisis.
- RHI’s ₦1 billion personal donation aims to stabilize lives, support education, and rebuild livelihoods.
- The move sets a precedent for civic engagement and private intervention in Nigeria’s humanitarian needs.
Stay tuned for updates as the impact of this intervention unfolds and authorities ramp up efforts toward sustainable peace and development.