“I believe that education is a foundation of true national development” – First Lady Oluremi Tinubu

…Says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to education and youth empowerment

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for increased support and partnerships in the education sector.

She made this call at a charity gala event organized by the Spouses of Heads of Missions in Nigeria, in support of the NGO Five Cowries Art Education Initiative.

She emphasized that innovative efforts like this have a lasting impact on critical sectors of society, including education.

“From renovating schools and assisting hospitals to supporting the less privileged in business, your contributions are making a lasting impact in our communities,” she stated.

The First Lady commended the spouses of heads of missions not only for accompanying their husbands to their duty posts in Nigeria but also for becoming part of the country’s success stories through their various initiatives.

“I believe that education is a foundation of true national development. That is why the administration of President Bola Tinubu, since its inception, and the Renewed Hope Initiative since 2023, have continually supported education and youth empowerment. At this juncture, I urge everyone to support the Five Cowries Initiative—whether through financial donations, advocacy, or partnerships. Therefore, on behalf of RHI, we pledge N100 million to support 5,000 art exhibitions in Nigeria.”

In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Lucrecia Downer, spouse of the British High Commissioner to Jamaica, noted that promoting the arts as a tool for education strengthens learning outcomes.

She explained that this informed the decision of the Spouses of Heads of Missions to support the Five Cowries Art Education Initiative in raising funds to expand access to education in rural and underserved communities in Nigeria.

Earlier, Polly Alakija, founder of the NGO, outlined plans and ideas to expand art education across Africa.

The charity gala night served as a fundraising event for the Five Cowries Art Education Initiative, an organization that works to improve learning outcomes through the arts.

The initiative’s programs focus on global issues such as conservation, citizenship, and health, while also serving as a powerful advocacy tool to educate children and women, particularly in rural communities.

Signed

Busola Kukoyi

Senior Special Assistant, Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Thursday, 22nd May 2025