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Tinubu’s Wife Empowers 2000 Imo Women, Canvasses Vote For Uzodimma
Wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has told a mammoth crowd of Imo women to come out on November 11, 2023, to massively vote for the election of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
She also said that already, the Governor has the backing of the current administration at the centre to complete his second term in office.
Nigeria’s First Lady spoke at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square in her capacity as Special Guest of Honour at the 2023 Grand Finale of Imo Women’s August meeting organised by the First Lady of Imo State, Barr (Mrs) Chioma Uzodimma.
Also at the occasion, Governor Uzodimma and his wife agreed that women have great roles to play in the development of Nigerian society and are, indeed, doing a lot already and should be encouraged to be the best they can be.
The event which attracted women clad in motley of beautiful attires from the 27 local government areas of Imo State, was also graced by wives of serving and former Governors, ministers, lawmakers, All Progressives Congress stalwarts, captains of industries, traditional rulers, among other dignitaries.
The wives of the Governors of Abia, Ebonyi, Ekiti, and Nasarawa, and former wives of Governors of Kano and Oyo States attended the event.
It was an event where Mrs. Tinubu announced the empowerment of 2000 women from Imo State in support of the efforts by Mrs. Uzodimma to lift the women and the girl child out of poverty, with a pledge to do more in line with her Renewed Hope Empowerment Initiative.
In her remarks, Mrs Tinubu described the Women August meeting as a wonderful occasion “worthy to be borrowed by every tribe in the country.”
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the voices of women are heard, their needs are addressed, and their legacies are preserved.”
She said, “Empowering women is not just a slogan, but a commitment towards a better life for families in every State of the Federation because when we support women and uplift their status, we uplift the entire society.”
She described her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) as a concept that focuses on women and families, with scope in agriculture, education, health, economic empowerment and social investment.
On the forthcoming Imo State governorship election, Mrs Tinubu said: “As we navigate the part towards the governorship election in Imo State let us not lose sight of the transformative power that women hold.
“I call on all of you great women of Imo State, to come out en mass and vote overwhelmingly for Governor Hope Uzodimma for a well-deserved second term and to complete the good work he has started, and I believe you know that he has the backing of this present administration.
“I believe that you will give him that vote so that his dreams and aspirations for the people of Imo will be actualised.
“With his re-election by the grace of God, Imo State will be set for a greater lease of life. I urge you, all of us here present, to stand united behind Governor Hope Uzodimma who has championed gender equity and parity. He has continued to pursue the course of a better life for all the people of Imo State.”
Mrs Tinubu who said she was delighted to be here in Owerri to celebrate the wonderful women of Imo State extended her appreciation to Mrs. Uzodimma for inviting her “for the first time to experience the Imo Women August Meeting.”
” I salute her commitment to the course of the great women of Imo State and her resolve to ensure that the women get the best dividends of democracy. Thank you, Your Excellency.”
Mrs Tinubu thanked the people of Imo State for the overwhelming support she got from them during the 2023 Presidential election and assured them that the current administration is doing everything possible to ensure a better life for every Nigerian.
She said one of the reasons she came to Imo was to reassure Imo women of “the Federal Government’s commitment to making Nigeria a more prosperous nation, where all of us and generations yet unborn will be proud to belong.”
Mrs Tinubu’s speech read in part: “Today, as we gather to commemorate and celebrate the achievements and progress of women at this Annual Imo Women August Meeting, we are reminded of the remarkable strength, resilience, and contributions that women bring to our society.
“While we note the accomplishments of the younger generation which are undoubtedly inspiring, let us not forget the invaluable role that the elderly women play in shaping our communities and indeed our future. Our elderly women have been the backbone of our families, our communities, and our States.
“At this year’s celebration which has the theme – Women Supporting Each Other, Making Things Happen – I am delighted to be here in Owerri, celebrating the wonderful women of Imo State.
“I extend my appreciation to the wife of the Executive Governor of Imo State, Her Excellency, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma for inviting me for the first time to experience the Imo Women August Meeting. I salute her commitment to the course of the great women of Imo State and her resolve to ensure that women get the best dividends of democracy. Thank you, Your Excellency.
“I must also at this time thank the good people of Imo State for their overwhelming support during the 2023 Presidential election – daalu noor.
“I assure you all that the administration is doing everything possible to ensure a better life for every Nigerian.
“This is one of the reasons we are here today, to reassure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to making Nigeria a more prosperous nation, where all of us and generations yet unborn will be proud to belong.
“Today, as we gather to commemorate and celebrate the achievements and progress of women at this Annual Imo Women August Meeting, we are reminded of the remarkable strength, resilience, and contributions that women bring to our society.
“While we note the accomplishments of the younger generation which are undoubtedly inspiring, let us not forget the invaluable role that the elderly women play in shaping our communities and indeed our future. Our elderly women have been the backbone of our families, our communities, and our States.
“At this year’s celebration which has the theme – Women Supporting Each Other, Making Things Happen – we must take cognizance of the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of our older women, which have paved the way for the progress we enjoy today. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the voices of women are heard, their needs are addressed, and their legacies are preserved. The wisdom they possess, the stories they tell, and the guidance they provide are essential pillars of our society.
“The support we are advocating is what we have come to present today through the Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI) Social Investment Agenda by celebrating the elderly and the widows at this event.
“We join our voices with that of Her Excellency, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma and indeed that of His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, against all forms of sexual and domestic violence, fight against trafficking in persons, drug abuse and other gender-based vices in the society.
“Empowering women is not just a slogan for us in the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, but a commitment towards a better life for families in every State of the Federation.
“When we support women and uplift their status, we uplift our entire society. And this empowerment extends to women of all ages, from the young girls who dream of their future to the elderly women who have shaped our past.
“These are the hallmarks of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). It is an Initiative that is focused on women and families with its scope in Agriculture, Education, Health, Economic Empowerment and Social Investment.
“I assure you all that the Initiative will soon be back in Imo State to give you our modest contributions in the area of Economic Empowerment, which the wife of the Executive Governor has said you are all interested in…
“In the pursuit of a better future for Imo State and our nation Nigeria, let us remember that we are strongest when we stand together.
“In closing, let us honour the women who came out today—the pillars of strength, the bearers of wisdom. We celebrate the potential and promise of the women who walk among us today. And let us commit ourselves to a future where every woman’s voice is heard, every woman’s contribution is valued, and every woman’s dreams are within reach.
“As we celebrate The Women of Imo State today, let us also celebrate the elderly women who have nurtured us, guided us, and set examples for us who never abused us, but loved us even when we did not do right. Let us recognize that their strength and wisdom as invaluable assets that we must cherish and protect.
“Together, as a united community, we can ensure that their contributions continue to shape the course of this State, not only today but for generations to come.”
Earlier, the Chief Host, Mrs Uzodimma reminded the women of what they stand to gain by supporting and helping each other, particularly as they find themselves in positions to do so.
In her address, Mrs. Uzodimma informed that the 2023 August Meeting was outstanding with reports showing that women in the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State were highly enthusiastic and attended the meetings with joy.
She said that the level of participation of Imo women in the meeting and their readiness to take responsibility shows that “the days when women are ignored are over.’’
She urged Imo women to ensure peace reigns in their families and society at large, noting that when they do so the level of insecurity in the society will be reduced to the barest minimum.
She reiterated that without peace not much can be achieved among the women, the family and the society, “Therefore women have a big role to play in restoring peace by talking to their children and educating them to be good citizens of the State and Nation.”
Imo First Lady told the audience that in today’s Nigeria women are better educated and occupy positions of authority and have the opportunity to lead the way for a better tomorrow, emphasising that there is every need for women to love one another.
On the theme for the meeting, she said: “Women should support one another, because; women have common problems, women achieve more when they support each other. When women support each other their children are better off and women by nature like to assist… for every successful woman another is supporting her. Women benefit more by cooperation than competition.’’
Mrs. Uzodimma recalled that the Governor had executed projects in Imo State aimed at empowering the women, and youths and moving them away from crime and criminality, identifying the programmes like the Skill-Up programme, skills acquisition and empowerment and more importantly, a conducive environment for the youths to thrive as part of them.
Mrs Uzodimma said that her office has keyed into the programmes of the Governor and his women-friendly government and by doing so, “Imo women have gained a lot beyond mere empowerment,” through the offices of the Chief Judge of Imo who is a woman, several women Commissioners, SAs and SSAs and Chairmen of Commissions and Agencies.
She said despite the several achievements recorded in the 3R Government of her husband, her office will continue to push for more women and people living with disabilities (PLWD) to be included in the programmes and policies of the Governor.
Mrs Uzodimma announced that her Office was rounding off the August Meeting with the empowerment of 500 women with different household equipment, foodstuffs, agricultural/farming seedlings and stems in addition to 1,000 indigent women who will go home with cash empowerment.
She thanked the wife of Mr. President for honouring the invitation and pledged continued loyalty to her and President Tinubu.
In her opening remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye expressed joy for being part of the August Meeting Grand Finale in Imo and used the opportunity to reveal that the World Bank has some packages for Nigerian Women to enhance their economic growth.
The minister said her Ministry plans to assist women to uplift themselves and appealed to the girl child to protect herself by being responsible and asking all women to stay away from crime.
In his brief remarks, Governor Uzodimma on behalf of the Government and people of Imo State thanked the wife of Mr. President for finding time to attend the personal programme and for supporting the women empowerment programme through counterpart funding.
He also congratulated the wife and members of the Organising Committee for mobilising Imo women in such an organic manner and magnitude that was “overwhelming in the eyes of all present.”
“I sincerely congratulate all the women, and more importantly, my adorable wife, the First Lady of Imo State, Her Excellency Chief (Barr.) Chioma Uzodimma, for a well-thought-out theme for this year’s Meeting: Women Supporting Each Other Makes Things Happen.
“I have always known that women are strong believers in the maxim, ‘united we stand and divided we fall.’
“Therefore, I am not under any illusion that the strength of our women lies more in their ability to work together to achieve results, the reason they make a lot of differences where the men folk flounder.
“As you round off your activities for the 2023 August meeting, be rest assured that my 3R government which most of you are key players, and which has shown considerable interest in the welfare of the entire womenfolk in our State, will stop at nothing to promote the positive ideals that you as our wives, mothers, sisters, aunties and daughters represent.”
The ceremony featured other programmes like march past by different women groups in Imo State and had in attendance the three Senators from Imo State, Federal House of Representatives members, female Ministers, traditional rulers and distinguished Nigerians too numerous to mention.
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has urged for necessary measures to protect journalists and other media workers during this weekend’s off-cycle elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States.
The group sent the request to the federal and state governments, as well as law enforcement and security agencies, stressing that the role of journalists in disseminating information about the electoral process is critical to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
In a statement issued ahead of the elections in Lagos and signed by the Communications Officer, Media Rights Agenda, Idowu Adewale, MRA also urged journalists to be cautious and to use its existing hotline (08138755660) to report any threat or attack they may encounter during the process, as well as any obstacle.
Adewale said in the statement: “Given the pattern of heightened attacks on journalists and the media during previous elections, including the recent 2023 general elections, as well as the tense political climate in the three states in the lead-up to the elections, measures must be taken to ensure general security during the elections and provide adequate protection for journalists covering the elections.”
“Access to information allows citizens and other members of the public to have the information they need about political and electoral processes, facilitating effective public participation in elections,” he says.
“Journalists and the media play an important role in ensuring residents and other members of the public have access to information and may participate in the process.
“As part of efforts to preserve the integrity of the polls, it is also critical that the safety and well-being of these interlocutors be assured and safeguarded.”
Lamenting the increased number of attacks on journalists in the run-up to the off-cycle elections, as well as earlier this year in the run-up to the general elections, he emphasised that “a free and vibrant media is fundamental to a healthy democracy, and journalists must be able to carry out their duties without fear, coercion, or violence.” During this vital phase, MRA stands ready to assist them and assure their safety.”
Men from the Edo State Police Command are said to have detained Mrs. Toluige Olokoobi’s husband after he allegedly murdered her.
Olokoobi was the mother of Oreofeoluwa Lawal-Babalola, the tiny boy whose video went viral in 2020 after he pleaded with his mother, “Mummy be calming down.”
Oreofeoluwa rose to prominence on social media after a video of him crying in an attempt to confidently appeal to his mother, who chastised him, went viral.
The film inspired Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who used it to deliver an Eid-el-Kabir appeal to Muslims and Lagos people in general to remain calm during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Following that, the youngster and his family met with the governor, who praised his bravery and poise.
While little has been heard about the family in three years, heartbreaking news broke on social media on Tuesday that the boy’s mother had committed suicide.
According to an X user, Olokoobi committed suicide in Benin, the capital of Edo State, for unknown reasons.
The X user, who stated that he was present at the site on Monday afternoon, went on to say that she had refused to disclose her difficulties with anyone before committing herself.
“The woman in the viral Mummy Calm Down video has just committed suicide here in Benin,” he stated in an email.
“She refused to discuss her problems with anyone.” She abandoned three children for her husband, including the well-known Mummy Calm Down boy.”
Meanwhile, confirming Olokoobi’s death in a chat with BBC Pidgin, the spokesperson of the Edo State police command, Chidi Nwabuzor, said her husband has been arrested and detained for questioning.
Nwabuzor said the husband reported the matter to the police.
The police spokesperson quoted the husband to have said that “he came home from the market when he saw his wife hanging with rope on her neck”.
Nwabuzor said she was rushed to the hospital and then to the mortuary after she was confirmed dead. (Adapted from a Vanguard report).
The Anambra State Police Command Headquarters Conference Hall was a hive of activity Thursday as CP Aderemi Adeoye took turns decorating around 18 promoted officers of the command with their new titles.
The delight of some of the officers whose wives assisted the CP in decorating their husbands with their new ranks knew no bounds, as their husbands duly saluted their wives and the CP for their new positions and responsibilities.
Obi Innocent, one of the officers elevated to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), whose wife joined CP Aderemi Adeoye in adorning him with his new rank, said it was wonderful that the Inspector General of Police thought him worthy.
CSP Obi Innocent, the officer in charge of the Legal Department at Zone 13, Police Zonal Headquarters Ukpo, stated that his new rank was a call to service and that he would do his best to uphold the charge given to them by CP Aderemi Adeoye to respect and protect the citizenry’s fundamental rights in the discharge of their new assignments.
Charity Akharame, who was honoured with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and was the only female officer among the 18 promoted officers decorated with new ranks, said it was not an easy feat but she was grateful to be among those who were decorated with their new ranks.
DSP Charity Akharame, the officer in charge of stores in the Anambra State Police Command, recalled how she began as a Police Constable and worked her way up to her current position as Deputy Superintendent of Police.
She stated that as a very disciplined police officer, she would follow the Police Commissioner’s directions regarding respect for all and sundry in the fulfillment of her constitutional obligations.
Jane-Frances Obi, one of the spouses of the officers elevated to the level of CSP, stated that being the wife of a police officer was not an easy assignment. As a result, she recommended any lady who is married to a police officer to be patient and understanding because the job is quite demanding.
Jane-Frances Obi, whose husband is Innocent Obi, the officer in charge of the Legal Department at Zone 13 Ukpo, believes the promotion is a reward for years of being patient, understanding, and standing in for them when they are not present.
Meanwhile, Emenike Chinenyenwa, who was decorated with the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and presented a vote of appreciation, expressed deep gratitude to the IGP and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission for considering them worthy of being adorned in their new ranks.
ACP Emenike, the officer in charge of Medicals, stated that the elevation comes with increased responsibility and that they will work harder in their new tasks.
CP Aderemi Adeoye praised the current promotion winners in his remarks, noting that two aspects make the police career very interesting and eventful. He stated that one is for promotion and the other is for positions.
CP Adeoye, on the other hand, urged the newly honored officers to develop more empathy, compassion, care, and dedication in the performance of their jobs.
The police chief insisted that newly promoted officers must first recognise that they share the same humanity as others, and as a result, they must treat all people with dignity and protect their fundamental human rights at all times.
CP Aderemi Adeoye stressed that without the enormous roles of spouses, they wouldn’t have been successful in their careers. He therefore congratulated all the promoted and prayed that God gives them good health to enjoy the new ranks and the energy to discharge the responsibilities of their new offices.
- Source: Independent
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