Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, says the well-being of all children, irrespective of their background, is an essential pillar of development, as captured in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She stated this while inaugurating a 336-bed space home for Nana Berry Orphanage and Children’s Home at New Nyanya in Nasarawa State at the weekend.
The First Lady noted that the initiative underscores her commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children across the country.
“I first learned about the plight of the children of Nana Berry Orphanage and Children’s Home while watching an interview of the Founder on NTA early in 2023.
“As a mother, I knew I had to act,” she said.
Mrs. Tinubu encouraged the caregivers at the Home to continue providing love and guidance and urged the children to embrace opportunities and dream big.
“You are special, you are loved, and you have a bright future ahead of you. This home is a stepping stone towards your dreams.
“I encourage you to learn, grow, and become the best version of yourselves. Also, learn to cultivate the habit of compassion. You are all contributors to what this Nation can become. The sky is your limit- so dream big!” the First Lady added.
Read Also: Vice President Shettima Mourns Victims Of Karu Explosion
She also highlighted the importance of keeping the orphanage focused on its core mission while ensuring the children’s needs are met.
When asked by the founder, Aishatu Kwalmi, for land to establish a farm, the First Lady proposed an innovative farming approach.
“I said no. This place is big enough, very big and I want this to be public because when interest is divided, the children might suffer,” she said.
Smart Farming
Mrs. Tinubu suggested adopting “smart farming” techniques, using buckets to plant crops, which would be space-efficient and educational for the children with a promise to send people who will teach the children these techniques.
“Nowadays, we have something called smart gardening. You can grow in your bucket… You can grow yams in buckets, you can grow potatoes in buckets,” the First Lady added.
She acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to children’s development, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and thanked the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule for donating the land and ensuring the project’s success.
Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by his Deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, reiterated his administration’s commitment to social welfare and emphasised the importance of the facility, highlighting its role in renewing the hope of the children who reside there.
“Today, we bring hope to those who have lost it. The dreams of these children are being revitalized, and as a state, we are committed to ensuring that this facility continues to thrive and serve its purpose,” he said.
The Governor reassured that the state would not abandon the facility but instead would partner with Nana Berry to maintain the high standards and noble mission of the home.
