The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has renewed calls for the establishment of special schools for out-of-school girls, urging state governments to replicate the alternative high school model first introduced in Lagos seventeen years ago.
Speaking at an interactive session with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political stakeholders in Lagos on Friday, Mrs Tinubu said her Renewed Hope Initiative is focused on grassroots development and girl-child empowerment.
“I always meet with the custodians of the land as well as faith-based leaders to intimate them of our programmes under the Renewed Hope Initiative and to get feedback from them,” she explained.
She emphasised that second-chance schools were essential to reduce the number of girls excluded from formal education and pledged to partner with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and state governments to sustain the model nationwide.
Mrs Tinubu also responded to requests presented by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Adewale Shotobi, who spoke on behalf of royal fathers. She assured the monarchs that their demands for constitutional recognition and the inclusion of the thirty-seven Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the Constitution would be conveyed to the National Assembly.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, described the visit as transformative.
“Her visit and constant support reflect an effort that transcends politics and reinforces national hope,” he said.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Chief Mudashiru Obasa, also welcomed the First Lady back to Lagos, describing her presence as symbolic and deeply connected to the state.
“It’s very good to have her back in Lagos. She’s always been our mother first as the First Lady of Lagos State and now as the First Lady of the Federation. Her visit, announced and well-organised, sends a clear message to all Lagosians that she remains committed to the state’s progress,” Obasa said.
He commended Mrs Tinubu’s focus on food security, poverty alleviation and grassroots engagement, but stressed that her advocacy for the girl child was particularly significant.
“One key issue raised was leadership training for the girl child. I agree completely. Beyond laws, we need to intentionally raise the consciousness of our girls towards leadership and future responsibilities. It’s an idea we’ll take seriously and explore where necessary,” the Speaker stated.
The event drew a wide array of dignitaries, including the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima; wife of the Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi; members of the State Executive Council; lawmakers; party stalwarts; and other top government officials.
The major session of the meeting was, however, held behind closed doors.