First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has said Nigeria is implementing a comprehensive inclusion of displaced members of the society one city at a time and their resettlement is going hand in hand with empowerment and skill acquisition.
She noted this in Keffi, Nasarawa State while commissioning the Oluremi Tinubu Renewed Hope Resettlement City, in Yar-Kande community established by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs.
She said the Resettlement City is a milestone in the nations effort to restore hope, dignity, safety, and patriotism to displaced Nigerians due to circumstances such as insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, and natural disasters.
“I am pleased to witness the resettlement of 40 households, comprising of 239 individuals, into a safe and dignified environment. This development reaffirms the commitment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which aims to enhance social welfare programmes for all Nigerians.
“Our work does not end here. Resettlement must go hand in hand with empowerment and skills acquisition. I am glad to learn that 100 hectares of farmland has been secured for the families to cultivate for food and income. It is also encouraging to hear that the Resettlement City is equipped with green houses, vocational training centres, a police station, a church, and a mosque. This will no doubt go a long way in helping the families to settle down and be independent,” she said.
The First Lady called on the residents of the resettlement City to work for the progress of their host community.
“To the families being resettled here today, I say: this is a new dawn. I urge you to continue to be law abiding and live peacefully with your host community,” Senator Tinubu said.
She presented bags of rice, clothing and other items to the residents.
The First Lady of Nigeria was joined at the ceremony by Nasarawa State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Sule who described the Resettlement City as not just a structure but a symbol of hope.
“Let living in the camp mold you and get you ready for the future,” he said.
He commended the efforts of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the area of security pointing out that with greater cooperation from various communities, the battle will be won completely.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda applauded the First Lady of Nigeria for her social inclusion initiatives, which has confirmed to the resettled persons that they are heard, seen and valued.
“By this gesture, you’re giving them hope and dignity and restoring a great future to the children. That’s what the President stands for and that is what true renewed hope stands for,” the Minister said.
Also at the event, Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim supported the First Lady’s gesture by giving business recapitalization grants of N200,000.00 to each of the 40 households.
Appreciating the First Lady on behalf of the residents, Geoffrey Bitrus said they now look forward to the future with their hope assured.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony include the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd); Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Bashir Lado; and UN Resident Coordinator, Mohammed Malick Fall.
The Oluremi Tinubu Resettlement City is currently home to 239 people comprising forty families, among them refugees from Cameroon and Sudan.
It has various modern facilities including solar powered power supply, a school, clinic, mosque, church among others.
