By Peter Omopo
Makurdi, July 29, 2025 — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a ₦1 billion donation to support families affected by the recent attack on Yelewata community in Benue State.
The donation, made through her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), was announced during a condolence visit to the state at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House on Tuesday.
The Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area was the target of a deadly assault in June, which claimed over 100 lives and displaced many residents. The First Lady described the incident as heartbreaking and expressed solidarity with the affected families.
“On behalf of the governing council of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI will be making a donation of ₦1 billion to help displaced families get back on their feet, return to earning a living, and have a better life,” Senator Tinubu stated. “This is in line with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative, as captured in our motto: Towards a Better Life for Families.”
She emphasized the need for unity and compassion in the face of such national tragedies, urging Nigerians to see the current insecurity challenges as a test of the country’s collective resolve.
“As a mother, I urge all of us to accept these times as very challenging. Our role is to be supportive and complementary. It is heart-wrenching to know that people who simply wish to live in peace are met with such destruction,” she said.
Senator Tinubu assured the people of Benue that they were not alone in their grief, adding that other concerned First Ladies, including her counterpart from Nasarawa State, are committed to supporting affected communities.
The ₦1 billion intervention is expected to aid the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced persons, helping them rebuild their lives and restore hope in the aftermath of the devastating attack.
