Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged citizens, particularly the youth, to reconsider the planned nationwide protests scheduled from August 1-14.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the government's relentless efforts to restore stability and improve the country's standing on the global stage. "We did not come to the state house to play; we are here to work because I know we will leave this place one day," she stated.
"The government has been working day and night to make sure that our country is put back on its feet."
Mrs. Tinubu expressed concern over the lingering effects of the #EndSARS protests, noting that Lagos State has yet to recover fully. "Lagos has not recovered from ENDSARS, and it saddens our hearts.
When people beat drums for protest, they may not know the backlash and what will happen after," she said.
Highlighting the importance of creativity and engagement among young Nigerians, the First Lady called for increased innovation and proactive measures.
She pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals thrived by producing essential goods like sanitizers.
"There are so many opportunities in Nigeria. People made money during COVID. Lots of money just by making sanitizers, creating different things that people can use at that time," she remarked.
Mrs. Tinubu also shows the growing respect Nigeria enjoys within the international community, which she believes will lead to more legitimate business opportunities and job creation.
"People now want to do business with Nigerians legitimately, and that will create jobs.
Therefore, our youths should try and engage themselves, be creative, and do more," she urged.
In her address, the First Lady outlined the upcoming activities and collaborations of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which include partnerships with various government agencies and international organizations in education, health, agriculture, and economic empowerment.
Notable initiatives include the AUDA-NEPAD/RHI Scholarship Programme and the RHI Women Economic Empowerment Programme for Petty Traders, which will provide N50,000 grants to 1,000 women in each state and the FCT.
Mrs. Tinubu concluded her appeal by emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation to ensure a better future for all Nigerians.
"I appeal to them to be patient. We didn't come here playing. We came here to work because for one, I know we will leave this place one day, and I want to go into a Nigeria that will not be a burden to me," she said. As the nation braces for the planned protests, the First Lady's message serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace dialogue and peaceful solutions.
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