Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged the National Assembly to grant constitutional and legal backing to the Office of the First Lady, both at federal and state levels.

The call was made during her second quarterly meeting with the wives of state governors and Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Coordinators at the State House in Abuja.

According to her, officially recognising the First Lady’s role would enable the office to deliver more sustainable impact across the country, especially through structured programs that target vulnerable communities. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

“We want our husbands to succeed. They are the tree, and we the branches are perched on them,” Senator Tinubu said, highlighting the support role First Ladies play in governance.

Why Legal Backing Matters

Senator Tinubu noted that despite the Office of the First Lady lacking official constitutional status, her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has recorded measurable achievements.

“With limited funds, we’ve awarded ₦1 million scholarships to 47 indigent students. Imagine what we could do with proper funding and institutional support,” she said.

She proposed a model similar to the United States, where the Office of the First Lady is structured and integrated into national governance.

Condemns Killings in Borno and Plateau

Addressing recent violent incidents in Borno and Plateau States, Senator Tinubu condemned the attacks, describing them as “tragic” and “deliberate acts of evil.”

“This is evil—very evil,” she said. “Why are these killings resurfacing now, when the country is making progress?”

She called on Nigerian women to intensify their prayers and advocacy efforts for national unity and peace.

Flow With Confidence: Tackling Period Poverty

Senator Tinubu also unveiled a new program under the RHI banner — Flow With Confidence — aimed at addressing period poverty in Nigeria.

The initiative will distribute 10,000 cartons of sanitary pads to each state, prioritizing adolescent girls in underserved rural areas.

“We are committed to restoring dignity to our girls. No one should miss school or suffer in silence because of their period,” she said.

Environmental Awareness and Health Advocacy

In a further push for social reform, the First Lady announced the launch of the RHI Environment Club/Society, designed to promote climate consciousness and environmental stewardship among Nigerian youth.

She also urged governors’ wives to champion public health campaigns, particularly in combating HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, cervical cancer, tuberculosis, and syphilis.

Who Was at the Meeting?

The high-level gathering included the Wife of the Vice President, Wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Wife of the Deputy Senate President, and 24 First Ladies from various states.

Senator Tinubu commended their support and called for strengthened collaboration to deliver social impact nationwide.

Conclusion

Senator Remi Tinubu’s advocacy for institutionalising the First Lady’s Office signals a new phase in women-led governance support. As her Renewed Hope Initiative gains traction, a formal legal framework may soon help expand its reach and effectiveness.