From Shuaibu Ibrahim Gusau
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has received a rousing welcome from thousands of residents and supporters during her visit to Zamfara State.
The Zamfara State Government hosted the APC North-West Women’s Mega Rally and Empowerment Programme on Tuesday at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau.
The event, led by the Zamfara State First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, brought together former governors of the state, First Ladies from the North-West, ministers and other prominent stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Before the rally, Senator Tinubu paid a visit to traditional rulers in Zamfara State to seek their blessings.
In her remarks, the First Lady described her visit as a strong expression of solidarity and compassion, as well as a demonstration of her commitment to women’s welfare and advancement, particularly those affected by insecurity, poverty and limited economic opportunities.
She said: “This is the happiest day of my life. Except for Zamfara, I have been in all 36 states of Nigeria, including the FCT. I have always wanted to come to Zamfara, and today I have fulfilled that. Because it is now easy to come, this is just the beginning; I am coming back again. Mr President is also coming.
“Before I start, I want to commiserate with you all for all the lives that were lost; they are very precious to us. May God forgive them, grant them Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and continue to be with us.
“Today is Juma’at; we have to be fast; we have empowerment to give to women. This is the only party that empowers during the campaign, and it is not about the campaign; we have been empowering from day one. And that is why it is not politics.
“Earlier, I was also given a title in Zamfara, the ‘Jagaban Matan Arewa’ by the Chairman of the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs and Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad. I thanked all the Emirs.
“I love Zamfara. I am happy to be here. Mr President said I should tell you he will continue working for you. Nigeria will continue to prosper, in sha Allah.”
Earlier, Governor Dauda Lawal thanked Senator Tinubu for her continued support through the Renewed Hope Initiative, particularly its Food Outreach Programme.
The governor described the First Lady’s visit as historic, noting that her presence went beyond an official engagement.
He said: “Your Excellency, Mother of the Nation, your presence today represents more than an official visit. You have set a record in the history of our dear Zamfara State.
“Your Excellency, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in Zamfara State, we firmly believe that empowering women is not only our responsibility as a government; it is a needed and bankable investment in social and societal morality, economic prosperity, family stability, and sustainable peace.
“I assure Your Excellency that Zamfara’s government and people unwaveringly support Mr President’s second term. With the women here and the men supporting them, Zamfara and the North-West will deliver for Mr President come January 2027.”
