• Launches Tinubu Torch Bearers with car gifts
By Egena Sunday Ode
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Wednesday charged women of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to become active promoters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s achievements and programmes, urging them to take the message of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to every part of the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Tinubu Torchbearers (TTB) at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, the First Lady said members of the new movement must serve as ambassadors of the administration by communicating government policies and accomplishments clearly, responsibly and respectfully to Nigerians.
“As we look ahead, I urge all members of the Tinubu Torch Bearers to be true ambassadors of Renewed Hope by communicating the achievements and programmes of this administration clearly and responsibly to the people. Be respectful and civil in your engagement,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu described the Tinubu Torchbearers as an initiative built on commitment, patriotism, service and collective aspiration for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria, noting that women remained central to national development and political mobilisation.
According to her, President Tinubu came into office with a clear determination to reposition Nigeria through bold reforms and strategic interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda, covering economic recovery, infrastructure, security, education and social investments.
She said the administration has already taken significant steps to strengthen agriculture, support local industries, improve healthcare delivery, create jobs, attract investments and expand opportunities for Nigerians.
“Our nation is on a journey of transformation, therefore, we must remain focused on a Nigeria that works for all and where opportunities are expanded for every citizen to contribute to our national progress, peace and prosperity,” she said.
The First Lady stressed that government alone could not deliver sustainable development without the support and participation of citizens, describing platforms such as the Tinubu Torchbearers as vital channels for mobilising communities, encouraging civic participation and promoting national unity.
She also commended APC women leaders and members for their roles during the party’s recently concluded primaries, which she said had demonstrated that democracy could thrive without rancour.
“I appreciate you all for your efforts at the just concluded APC Primaries across the country which has been largely adjudged as peaceful. Our party has shown the rest of the country that there can be democracy without bitterness,” she stated.
In a major announcement that drew applause from participants, the First Lady assured APC women leaders in five states currently governed by opposition parties that vehicles would be provided for their personal use before the end of the week.
She specifically named APC women leaders in Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Osun and Oyo states as beneficiaries.
“Your vehicles will be ready before the end of the week,” she said.
Emphasising that the vehicles were personal assets and not party property, Mrs Tinubu directed the beneficiaries to register them in their own names.
“The vehicles are your personal vehicles. You are not giving it to the party. You register these vehicles in your name,” she said.
The First Lady also called on governors elected on the platform of the APC to emulate the gesture by providing vehicles for women leaders in their respective states.
“This is how we want our women to be treated. We are not playing politics like before. We are politicians and people should see the value on us. This is a blessed party and we want our women to be empowered,” she declared.
She expressed confidence that more APC governors would support the initiative, noting that some states had already taken similar steps.
Formally inaugurating the Tinubu Torchbearers, Mrs Tinubu said the movement would inspire hope, unity and progress across the country as members work toward the President’s second-term bid.
“May this movement inspire hope, unity and progress across our beloved nation as we embark on the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said.
Earlier, APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile Idele, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in efforts to deepen grassroots participation and consolidate support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said the Tinubu Torchbearers had been conceived as a nationwide grassroots movement focused on mobilisation, advocacy, voter education and citizen engagement.
Also speaking, Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the Tinubu administration had moved beyond promises to delivering measurable and systemic change for women, children and families.
She highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the ministry, including the review of national child protection policies, the development of action plans to end child marriage and violence against children, and the implementation of women-focused economic empowerment programmes.
