By Idowu Adebomi
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly committed to restoring security across the country through enhanced internal security measures and strategic international partnerships aimed at dismantling criminal and terrorist networks.
Speaking during an engagement with members of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, Senator Tinubu said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes threatening national stability.
The meeting formed part of activities marking her one-day working visit to Ekiti State.
The First Lady disclosed that President Tinubu’s administration had established security collaborations with countries including the United States and other developed nations to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to tackle insecurity.
According to her, the government is also implementing robust internal security strategies to neutralize criminal elements responsible for killings, kidnappings, and acts of terrorism across the country.
She noted that it is disheartening that the nation is facing these security challenges.
She added that some of those terrorizing the people are not even Nigerians.
She stated that despite the challenges, Nigeria is too great to be intimidated.
The First Lady further emphasized that the president is working tirelessly, day and night, to ensure that this matter is resolved, urging citizens to continue to pray for the nation and remain united in confronting these challenges.
Senator Tinubu also commended Ekiti residents and traditional rulers for their support of the president and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing their loyalty as a source of encouragement for both leaders.
She was accompanied to the meeting by the wife of the vice president, Hajia Nana Shettima; Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye; and other senior government officials.
Highlighting the impact of her Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady said the program had delivered an ultramodern Information and Communication Technology centre at Ekiti State University and provided scholarships and educational grants valued at N200 million to support students.
She added that the initiative had empowered about 2,000 traders with grants of N50,000 each while extending support to elderly citizens, vulnerable groups, and persons living with disabilities.
She stated that she was not only there to support Governor Oyebanji and the APC Women’s Campaign Council, but also to appreciate the love and support the Ekiti people have shown to the president, praying for peace and prosperity in all their domains.
In response, traditional rulers in the state urged the Federal Government to strengthen the legal framework for tackling insecurity, particularly kidnapping and terrorism.
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, called for a comprehensive review of anti-kidnapping laws to impose stiffer sanctions on offenders and their collaborators.
The monarch also urged the Federal Government to accelerate efforts toward the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralized policing would improve intelligence gathering and enhance the ability of states to respond effectively to security threats.
He stated that there should be a review of laws dealing with insecurity, particularly kidnapping, noting that the council has not seen sufficient punitive measures against those aiding and abetting these crimes.
He added that the bill for the creation of state police should be fast-tracked. He explained that the people are not cowards, but their hands are tied because they do not possess the resources and authority required to confront heavily armed criminals.
Oba Adu-Alagbado praised Senator Tinubu for her respect for traditional institutions and the nationwide impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
He also reaffirmed the support of Ekiti’s traditional rulers for President Tinubu’s administration, describing the president as a leader confronting difficult national challenges with determination and courage.
The monarch said the traditional council remained optimistic that ongoing reforms and security interventions would ultimately yield positive results for the country.
