First Lady Flags Off ₦1.2bn Eid Palliatives for 19 Northern States, FCT

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable households across 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The intervention, which includes 100 trucks of rice and ₦1.2 billion in cash support, is targeted at assisting vulnerable families within Muslim communities as part of nationwide humanitarian efforts under the Renewed Hope Social Investment drive.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Kaduna State, Senator Tinubu said the initiative reflects solidarity with Muslim faithful in the North during the season of sacrifice, compassion, and gratitude.

She noted that Kaduna was chosen as the take-off point because of its symbolic representation of peaceful coexistence among diverse religious and ethnic groups, describing it as a model for national unity.

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“I appeal to all our communities across the North to continue to live together in love and mutual respect. A united Nigeria is one that can overcome any challenge,” she said, urging religious and traditional leaders to continue promoting peace and understanding.

The First Lady also highlighted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing long-term reforms aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening national stability.

According to her, the palliatives will be distributed through State Coordinating Committees already established across the benefiting states to ensure equitable and transparent delivery.

“Today’s flag-off is a gesture of solidarity to appreciate the Muslim Ummah of northern Nigeria. As we approach Eid-el-Kabir, we are translating the message of sacrifice into tangible support for vulnerable households,” she added.

She recalled that a similar intervention was carried out on December 23, 2025, for Christian communities across Northern Nigeria, noting that both gestures reflect inclusivity in humanitarian outreach.

Governors present at the event, including Senator Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Senator Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Senator Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, commended President Tinubu’s development agenda, describing it as impactful across sectors and regions.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs and Other Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Masari, assured stakeholders that the distribution process would be closely monitored to guarantee transparency and accountability.

Also speaking, the Interim Chairman of the Muslim Intellectuals Forum, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, praised the First Lady for what he described as fair and balanced humanitarian engagement across religious lines.

The symbolic distribution of the palliatives was later performed by the First Lady, marking the official commencement of the exercise.