First Lady Meets Rescued DutsinMa Girls, Awards Scholarships

First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has said learning and education are veritable weapons in the fight against terrorism and criminality by individuals and communities.

She stated this at the Presidential Villa when she received four of the five rescued Federal University DutsinMa students.

She said, “I join a cheerful nation to welcome our beloved daughters’ home as you reunite with your families. We grieved over the sad fate that had befallen you and we join your family to celebrate your safe return.

“Since your dreadful abduction on October 5, 2023, it has been a period of pain for you, your parents, your teachers and indeed all Nigerians”.

“Throughout this period, we have kept faith and trust in God and in our law enforcement agencies that you will return safely,” she said.

Since the incident, law enforcement officers from various agencies worked tirelessly to ensure your return home. Today we thank Almighty God for protecting you and reuniting you with your loved ones”.

The first lady in a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, assured the rescued girls of the Federal Government’s commitment and that of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to support them psychologically and with their education as they begin their healing after more than 70 days in captivity.

She added that it is imperative that their experience does not hinder their educational pursuits and career interest.

“Beyond your safe return, we would follow up on your journey not only to recover from this sad episode in your lives, but to see that you accomplish your mission in your educational pursuit and career interests.
“Already, I have been briefed on the courage you have shown so far and I encourage you to turn this episode in your lives into a story of triumph”.

“You must continue to pursue your educational interests. By ensuring that you continue to learn, as we provide you with the necessary medical and psychological support, we at the Renewed Hope Initiative, (RHI) are also committed to providing you with guidance and support to reach your full potential,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu noted that their experience and that of other Nigerians who have been kidnapped is difficult and encouraged them that this phase will pass with the determination and tenacity of the security and intelligence forces and the support of all Nigerians.

Each of the girls received a scholarship grant of N1 million and a brand-new laptop from the Renewed Hope Initiative, a pet project of the first lady.

Also, she announced that the federal government was giving a sum of N2 million to the parents of each of the rescued girls and N1 million to the vice chancellor of the university.

She expressed gratitude for their safe return and commended the exemplary leadership role of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the effective coordination of law enforcement agencies who worked diligently over the past few months to ensure their safe return and the return of every Nigerian held against their will.

The representative of the national security adviser (NSA), Brigadier General Olutayo Adesuyi, while handing over the girls, said the First Lady meeting with the rescued girls is significant as it shows the solidarity of the federal government’s support.

Present at the meeting were parents of the rescued girls, the deputy vice chancellor of the Federal University DutsinMa Katsina, representative of the inspector-general of police and national counter terrorism legal officer.