Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has assured Nigerians that the country will soon overcome its security challenges, saying President Bola Tinubu is working tirelessly to restore peace and safety across the nation.
The First Lady gave the assurance during a meeting with traditional rulers in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, as part of her one-day working visit to the state.
Speaking against the backdrop of growing concerns over kidnappings, banditry and killings in several parts of the country, Mrs Tinubu acknowledged the pains and fears being experienced by many Nigerians but expressed confidence that the Federal Government’s efforts would yield positive results.
She said the President remained fully committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens through stronger security measures, intelligence gathering and international partnerships aimed at tackling terrorism and violent crime.
According to her, the administration has entered into security partnerships with developed countries, including the United States, to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat criminal activities.
Mrs Tinubu explained that while significant efforts were ongoing to address insecurity, many of the strategies being deployed could not be publicly disclosed for security reasons.
“It is disheartening that we have this insecurity. A lot of foreign countries are helping our country. The US and some other developed countries are helping us in this matter,” she said.
She added that some of those involved in attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities were not Nigerians, making the challenge more complex and requiring coordinated international efforts.
“Some of those terrorising us are non-Nigerians. No matter what happens, we shall overcome. Nigeria is too great to be intimidated,” she stated.
The First Lady urged citizens not to lose hope despite the security challenges facing the nation.
She said every country experiences difficult periods but stressed that Nigeria possesses the strength and resilience needed to overcome its current challenges.
“Let us bear in mind that we have a great country. Challenges will come, but collectively, we can tackle them. I can assure you, we don’t have Mondays or Sundays; the President is working round the clock to get this matter resolved,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu also called on Nigerians to continue praying for the country, saying faith and unity remained important in overcoming national challenges.
“God has been faithful. Let us be prayerful about our nation. It is prayers that have taken us this far,” she added.
Her remarks came in response to concerns raised by traditional rulers over the growing insecurity in parts of the country.
The monarchs, while expressing support for the administration, called for stronger measures to deal with kidnappers and other criminals.
They also urged the Federal Government to review existing laws relating to kidnapping and violent crimes and accelerate efforts toward the establishment of state police.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, said insecurity had become a major concern for many communities and required urgent attention.
According to the monarch, while criminal activities occur in different countries of the world, Nigeria must strengthen its legal framework to ensure that offenders face appropriate punishment.
“No country is devoid of criminals. There should be a review of laws in the country dealing with the issue of insecurity,” he said.
The traditional ruler noted that kidnapping had persisted for years and questioned the effectiveness of current measures against those who support or benefit from such crimes.
“Kidnapping has been on for some time. All those who are aiding and abetting kidnapping, we have not seen any punitive measures taken against them. There should be a review of the laws dealing with these murderers,” he stated.
Oba Adu-Alagbado also renewed calls for state police, arguing that local security structures would help communities respond more effectively to threats.
He said many local residents were willing to defend their communities but lacked the legal authority and resources needed to confront heavily armed criminals.
“Also, the bill for the creation of the state police should be fast-tracked. Our people are not cowards, but our hands are tied because our people can’t carry an AK-47 to face these criminals,” the monarch said.
Beyond security, Mrs Tinubu used the occasion to highlight some of the programmes being implemented under her Renewed Hope Initiative, a platform focused on supporting vulnerable groups and promoting social development.
She disclosed that the initiative had established an ultra-modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, to improve digital education and equip young people with technology skills.
According to her, the initiative has also provided scholarship support through the endowment of prizes worth N200 million for undergraduate students of the institution.
The First Lady said the programme was designed to encourage academic excellence and expand opportunities for young Nigerians seeking higher education.
She further revealed that about 2,000 traders had recently received grants of N50,000 each to support their businesses and improve their economic conditions.
In addition, she said elderly citizens, vulnerable groups and persons living with disabilities were benefiting from various empowerment and welfare programmes under the initiative.
Mrs Tinubu explained that these interventions were aimed at improving living standards and helping families cope with current economic realities.
Addressing the traditional rulers, she thanked them for their continued support for President Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.
She described their backing as a source of encouragement for both leaders and said it motivated them to remain committed to delivering good governance.
“Kabiyesi, I didn’t only come here to support Governor Oyebanji and the APC Women Campaign Council, I am here to thank you for the love you have shown to Mr President in Ekiti State,” she said.
She prayed for peace and prosperity in their various domains and expressed appreciation for the warm reception she received during the visit.
In his remarks, Oba Adu-Alagbado praised the First Lady for showing respect to traditional institutions and acknowledged her contributions to community development through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The monarch also commended President Tinubu for implementing policies aimed at addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.
He assured the President of the support of traditional rulers in Ekiti State, describing him as a leader determined to tackle Nigeria’s numerous problems.
The royal father further praised Governor Oyebanji for his leadership in the state and expressed gratitude for the relationship between the governor and the Presidency.
Turning to politics, Oba Adu-Alagbado said the people of Ekiti would continue to support President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the President’s performance and commitment to addressing national challenges justify support for a second term in office.
The event was attended by several top government officials, including the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Deputy Governor Mrs Monisade Afuye, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and other political and community leaders.
The meeting provided another platform for discussions on security, development and governance, issues that remain at the centre of national discourse as Nigerians continue to seek lasting solutions to the country’s challenges.