Nigeria’s First Lady Donates N12.9 Billion To Humanitarian Causes Over Two Years.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has emerged as one of the nation’s most generous philanthropists, contributing an estimated N12.9 billion to humanitarian efforts over the past two years. Through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and personal contributions, she has supported victims of terrorism, natural disasters, and underserved communities across Nigeria, earning widespread praise for her compassion and dedication.
Since assuming the role of First Lady in 2023, Mrs Tinubu has channelled significant funds into various initiatives. In July 2023, she donated N250,000 to each of 57 flood-affected families in Abuja, totalling N14.25 million. Between August and December of the same year, N50 million was distributed to 1,000 female traders in Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Edo States as part of a broader N1.8 billion empowerment scheme targeting 37,000 traders nationwide. In November, N427.75 million was given to 1,709 widows and orphans of fallen military personnel, with each receiving N250,000.
Further efforts in 2023 included N500 million for displaced families in Plateau State, N70 million for women farmers in the North-West, and N95 million in rice and cash for Christian communities in Northern Nigeria. Mrs Tinubu also pledged N1 billion towards tuberculosis eradication, alongside food support and Christmas relief for the less privileged.
In 2025, her philanthropy continued with N100 million for families affected by a tanker explosion in Niger State, N1 billion for tuberculosis awareness and treatment, and N1.85 billion to empower persons with disabilities, providing N200,000 to 250 individuals in each state and the Federal Capital Territory. Other notable donations included N1 billion for victims of violent attacks in Plateau and Benue States, N100 million to the Five Cowries Art Education Initiative, and N1 billion with relief materials for flood victims in Niger State. Additionally, a partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation launched an empowerment scheme for 500 women.
Mrs Tinubu has consistently maintained that these funds are not drawn from government coffers but are raised through the RHI and contributions from reputable individuals and organisations. “I do not have vast sums of money, but what I have is meant to bring life,” she stated. “The money I use is not government funds. It is personally raised to help others. This is not about politics—it’s about love for Nigeria.”
Her Special Adviser on Media, Busola Kukoyi, emphasised that the First Lady’s actions stem from a lifelong commitment to humanity. “She believes the most important thing is to build human beings, and her donations directly impact lives,” Kukoyi said, noting the RHI’s governing board includes credible Nigerians who support its mission.
While Mrs Tinubu’s efforts have been lauded, some critics have raised concerns about transparency and the source of the funds. Opposition figures, including Tanko Yinusa of the Labour Party, have called for accountability, arguing that such large-scale spending requires clear budgetary appropriation. The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) also urged greater clarity, stressing the importance of transparency in public spending.
Despite these concerns, many Nigerians have celebrated the First Lady’s contributions. Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State praised her N1 billion donation to victims of the Yelwata attack, describing it as a profound act of compassion. The Plateau State Association, USA, similarly commended her support for attack victims in Plateau, highlighting her commitment to national solidarity.
Mrs Tinubu’s initiatives, including the “Every Home a Garden” and “One Nigeria/Unity Fabric” competitions, continue to promote economic empowerment and unity, with cash prizes of N20 million and N25 million respectively. Her work underscores a dedication to uplifting vulnerable Nigerians, cementing her legacy as a compassionate leader.
