On Tinubu’s wife N50m gift to Nasarawa women
Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu’s distribution of N50,000 to 1,000 women in Nasarawa, while well-intentioned, raises concerns about the long-term impact of such palliative measures. As the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Tinubu holds a significant position that could be leveraged to champion sustainable development, a crucial pillar in Nigeria’s path to growth and prosperity.
While cash gifts offer immediate relief, they do little to address the root causes of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. N50,000 is a temporary solution that may alleviate hardship in the short term but is unlikely to catalyze lasting economic growth or empowerment for the recipients. Sustainable development initiatives, on the other hand, can create long-term solutions that uplift individuals and communities by promoting economic independence, job creation, and environmental stewardship.
As a prominent figure, Mrs. Tinubu is in a unique position to advocate for and support sustainable projects that go beyond temporary relief. Instead of focusing on cash handouts, the funds could have been channeled into initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, or sustainable farming practices. These initiatives could create lasting employment opportunities, promote innovation, and build resilience within communities, particularly among women in rural areas.
Just in case you missed it, the Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, donated N50,000 each to 1,000 less-privileged women in Nasarawa State in a bid to cushion the effect of the hardship being experienced by the citizens,
Speaking during the money presentation at the Government House Lafia on Thursday, Tinubu said the gesture was aimed at ameliorating the sufferings of women in the state.
Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by Silifat Abdullahi-Sule, the Wife of the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, further explained that the beneficiaries were drawn from rural communities across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.
She said, “Senator Oluremi Tinubu gave us N50,000 for each of the 1,000 of you. The empowerment is particularly for women at the grassroots. It aims to alleviate the suffering of less-privileged women and to boost their economic activities in rural areas.
She, therefore, called on the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money to better their lives to justify the efforts of Mrs Tinubu.
Speaking shortly after receiving her money (50,000), Hanatu Luka from Obi LGA thanked Mrs Tinubu for the kind gesture.
She said the monies given to them (beneficiaries) would not only put smiles on their faces but would henceforth boost their economic activities.
CSR REPORTERS notes that this is not a sustainable way to live. For instance, investing in cooperative enterprises or sustainable agricultural projects could empower women to become self-sufficient. This, in turn, would not only boost local economies but also contribute to national development goals, aligning with Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Projects such as vocational training programs or micro-finance schemes would equip women with the skills and resources needed to build thriving businesses and become long-term contributors to the economy.
As a champion of sustainable development, the First Lady should lead by example, supporting causes that create enduring impact and aligning with global best practices in sustainability. By shifting the focus from short-term palliatives to long-term, impactful initiatives, Mrs. Tinubu could better serve the communities she seeks to uplift, fostering self-reliance and economic growth for future generations.
