Philanthropic First Ladies making a difference
Philanthropy is a habit that has been embraced by the wives of presidents and governors since the days of military rule in the country. Commonly referred to as ‘pet projects’, some of the first ladies have taken things to another level with consistency and willingness to contribute to community development. In this piece, NAOMI CHIMA reviews how some of these first ladies are impacting their states with their various philanthropic gestures
Oluremi Tinubu
Oluremi, the wife of President Bola Tinubu, is the first on this list. She has earned a reputation as a leading philanthropist through her extensive charitable work and empowerment programmes.
She is known for her commitment to the welfare of vulnerable groups, including women, youths, and the poor; and her initiatives reflect her longstanding dedication to societal development.
One of her major contributions is through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which aims to combat tuberculosis in Nigeria with a donation of N1bn. Launched in December 2023, the initiative has already impacted beneficiaries across all 36 states.
In addition to healthcare, Oluremi has also devoted resources to economic empowerment. Her RHI Economic Empowerment Programme, with a budget of N1.85bn, supports female petty traders nationwide. The programme provides N50,000 grants to 1,000 selected women from each state to help them revitalise and expand their businesses.
Her commitment to youth and skill development is also noteworthy. The Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Scheme, merged with the Good Boys and Girls Empowerment Scheme has benefited 1,172 individuals. The programme includes training and startup support for about 164 youths, providing each with N40,000 to kickstart their ventures.
Further demonstrating her dedication to social causes, Tinubu has supported the families of fallen Nigerian Armed Forces heroes with N427.75m, with each of the 1,709 widows and orphans getting N250,000.
Previously, during her tenure as the Senator representing Lagos Central District at the National Assembly, and as Lagos State’s First Lady, Tinubu championed education, health, and women’s empowerment. She established the Yeye Asiwaju Foundation and sponsored initiatives such as the Musical Youth Fiesta, which usually brought together thousands of children for music and mentorship.
Her efforts to support widows include the Widows Economic Empowerment Scheme, which has assisted 1,430 widows; and the construction of ‘Patience Home’, a facility for childless widows in Lagos State. Additionally, in March 2018, 130 widows received grinding machines and N50,000 each.
As First Lady, Tinubu has also inaugurated ICT centres in several states and the Federal Capital Territory, enhancing digital access for students. She is set to crown the winner of the #ONE NIGERIA/Unity Fabric competition on October 1, awarding N25m to a young Nigerian for their contribution to promoting peace and unity through indigenous fabric design.
Her ongoing efforts include donating 100,000 exercise books to public primary and junior secondary schools across Nigeria, reflecting her unwavering commitment to education and societal advancement.
Born on September 21, 1960, she previously served as the First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007; and was a senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District from 2011 to 2023, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
She completed her secondary education at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, in 1979. She earned a degree in Education from the University of Ife, and a National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology from the Adeyemi College of Education. Additionally, she received a Postgraduate Diploma from The Redeemed Christian Bible College in 2010.
Chioma Uzodimma
Chioma Uzodimma is the First Lady of Imo State. The lawyer, who is married to Hope Uzodimma, has made significant strides in community support and empowerment since her husband’s inauguration.
Born in Aba, Abia State, Chioma earned a Law degree from the Imo State University.
Before becoming First Lady, she had worked as a junior associate at various law firms, including Emeka Etiaba (SAN) Chambers, and Rickey Tarfa (SAN) and Co.
Now, she focuses on philanthropy through her Good Hope Flourish Foundation, which addresses healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment.
Her foundation has been actively involved in promoting women and children’s welfare in the state. Her other notable initiatives include supporting widows and disadvantaged women with economic interventions, small-scale businesses, and housing projects. In collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, she has advanced the Violence Against Persons Prohibition law, established a Sexual Assault Referral Center, and campaigned against female genital mutilation with UNICEF.
Uzodimma’s efforts also include advocating for women’s inheritance rights and promoting female representation in governance. She has worked with the Governors’ Wives Forum to combat drug abuse among women and has facilitated the reintegration of trafficked girls with their families.
On the last International Women’s Day, Uzodimma handed over a new house to a widow previously living in squalid conditions, exemplifying her commitment to improving living conditions for the less fortunate.
She has stated that her future plans involve expanding the Good Hope Flourish Foundation’s activities to include personal hygiene education, mental health awareness, and quality education advocacy. Recently, her office distributed 100 sewing machines, salon kits, 150 outdoor barbecue grills, and monetary gifts to women across Imo State as part of the Imo Women Empowerment Scheme.
Over the years, Chioma has remained dedicated to leveraging her position to drive positive change and support vulnerable communities, demonstrating that her role as First Lady extends well beyond ceremonial duties.
Zainab Idris
Kebbi State’s First Lady, Zainab Idris, has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy through substantial financial support aimed at improving the welfare of widows and orphans in the state.
On July 6, 2024, the First Lady’s NASARA Foundation distributed over N10m to about 900 Christian widows in Ribah, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area. The distribution, conducted at the United Missionary Church of Africa, reflects her dedication to supporting vulnerable groups and fostering unity across religious and tribal lines.
In addition to her support for widows, Zainab also contributed N3.75m to assist orphans in the Argungu Emirate on August 9, 2024. Each of the 550 orphans received N5,000, and an additional N1m was donated to Mar’atu Salihah, an NGO focused on orphan care. Her involvement was highlighted during a feeding program organised by the NGO at the Palace of the Emir of Argungu.
The First Lady has also extended her charitable efforts to support women in need. On September 8, 2024, she donated N1m to the Hasken Rayuwa Poor Women Training Centre in Birnin Kebbi, further demonstrating her commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of women in the state.
Her philanthropic activities are not limited to financial aid. The NASARA Foundation, which she leads, recently provided free eye treatment to about 3,000 patients with eye defects at the Kebbi Teaching Hospital in Kalgo, underscoring her comprehensive approach to health and well-being.
These efforts reflect a broader vision of inclusivity and community support under the leadership of her husband, Governor Nasir Idris, aiming to transcend traditional boundaries and promote overall development in Kebbi State.
Olufolake Abdulrazaq
Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State, is renowned for her advocacy for sickle cell disease. She organised a significant awareness and sensitisation event to commemorate the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day. The event, held by the Ajike People Support Center, aimed to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and highlight the ongoing efforts to support those affected by it.
Abdulrazaq, known for her dedication to humanitarian work, founded the Ajike People Support Center to address critical issues such as health, education, and economic empowerment for the underprivileged. Her impactful contributions have earned her notable recognition, including the Daily Independent Newspaper’s North Central First Lady of the Year, and the African Peace Magazine’s African Peace Legend Award.
In addition to her humanitarian efforts, Abdulrazaq is actively involved in sports and the creative arts.
Her commitment to youth development is evident through her roles as the National Vice President of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association and President of District 03 Nigeria Little League.
She holds several traditional titles as well, such as Yeye Aare Soludero of Offa and Erelu of Ilado and Inagbe Islands.
Born on August 2, 1967, in Lagos, Olufolake began her education in the United States before returning to Nigeria to complete her studies. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Lagos in 1988.
Patience Eno
The First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Patience Eno, has solidified her reputation as a compassionate leader dedicated to the welfare of the residents of her state.
She is known for her strong Christian values and support for her husband, Governor Umo Eno. Patience has also earned admiration for her role as a “mother to the people”.
In February 2024, in celebration of her 57th birthday, Eno launched the Golden Initiative for All, a project aimed at supporting widows and vulnerable groups across Akwa Ibom. The initiative, marking its debut with a Widows Enhancement Programme, distributed cash and gifts to 250 widows from all 31 local government areas in the state.
As Chairperson of the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, the first lady has been a vocal advocate against harmful widowhood practices. She has championed the enforcement of the Widowhood Law of 2013 and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law of 2020, urging strict legal action against those perpetuating outdated traditions.
Her commitment extends beyond advocacy. Eno has facilitated the formation of training clusters by various NGOs to equip widows with entrepreneurial skills, aiming to enhance their economic opportunities. She has also focused on improving maternal and child healthcare, providing care packages and better access to medical services for low-income families.
Additionally, Eno’s humanitarian efforts include initiatives to provide clean water to underserved communities, reflecting her holistic approach to improving living standards.
Her support for her husband’s political career is well-recognised, notably during the 2023 governorship campaign when she embraced the nickname “The Golden Boy” in response to criticisms of his appearance.
Patience Eno’s contributions to the Royalty Group, a hospitality brand she helped develop from a modest five-room establishment into an international enterprise, further highlight her impact on the state’s economic development.
Governor Umo Eno, speaking on her 57th birthday, praised her dedication and compassion, expressing pride in her achievements and the positive effects of GIFA. He acknowledged her role as an exceptional wife and mother and her influence on both their family and the broader community.
Aishatu Mohammed
In a bid to reach out to the people of her state, the Bauchi State First Lady, Aishatu Mohammed founded the Al-Muhibbah Foundation. Since it was founded, the foundation has intensified its philanthropic activities. The foundation distributed different equipment to rural women interested in launching small businesses. Among the materials provided were grinding machines, which were accompanied by training sessions on their use, and bags of water for those starting water retail businesses. Additionally, some women received cash grants and skill acquisition.
Established 13 years ago, the Al-Muhibbah Foundation operates both nationally and internationally, including in Ohio, United States of America. Its mission is to enhance the well-being of underprivileged individuals, particularly women, children, and youth, through grassroots and community-based initiatives. Over the years, the foundation has delivered significant aid including donating over 10 ambulances to local governments in Bauchi State and Abuja, providing medical equipment and drugs to hospitals, and covering medical bills for those in need.
The foundation also paid school fees for orphans and vulnerable children, distributed educational materials, and renovated schools. The foundation has also trained teachers, especially those working with children with special needs.
On June 12, 2020, the foundation delivered food, clothing, and entrepreneurial items to the Makeran Shuwa IDP camp, benefiting 90 households with a total of 850 residents, predominantly women and children.
In partnership with Fidelity Bank, the foundation also conducted a medical outreach in the Misau Local Government Area, providing support to over 3,000 women.
The foundation’s activities include the commissioning of a skill acquisition centre in the Alkaleri Local Government Area, aimed at training 50 women in sewing, knitting and computer skills. The initiative encourages women to engage in information technology. Furthermore, the foundation launched a ‘Not Too Late to Learn’ program for older women, helping them return to education.
The Foundation’s Health Camp has reached over 480,000 individuals, providing medical care for minor health issues and referring serious cases to major hospitals. The foundation has also distributed hundreds of thousands of delivery kits to expectant mothers, and established counselling centers for rape victims to offer psychosocial support.
The foundation also donated blankets to 3,450 pilgrims from Bauchi State.
Aisha’s efforts reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the specific needs of her community, moving beyond mere donations to creating impactful, tailored solutions.
Zulaihat Radda
The Katsina State First Lady, Zulaihat Radda, has supported the state in various ways through her foundation, Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative. The foundation partnered with the Katsina State Ministry of Health to launch a distribution of free sickle cell and malaria medications, along with delivery kits, at the General Hospital, Katsina. This initiative highlights Radda’s commitment to addressing health issues in the state and fulfilling her promise to provide critical support for those in need.She also organised a sensitisation and awareness event on June 21 to mark World Sickle Cell Day. The event was held at the office of the Katsina State Governor’s wife, emphasising her ongoing dedication to combating sickle cell disease.
To celebrate her husband’s first anniversary in office, Radda made a series of charitable visits and donations throughout the state. Her outreach included visits to the Katsina Central Prison, the Katsina State Orphanage, the School for the Handicapped, and various schools in Katsina. She distributed essential items, gifts, and educational materials, underscoring her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and complementing her husband’s efforts to improve the lives of Katsina residents.
In a recent health outreach, Radda reported that over 12,000 individuals benefited from free medications and supportive care. Looking ahead, she plans to extend this initiative further by collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organisations.
She has also stated plans to provide treatment for patients with various eye ailments, distributing eyeglasses, and performing cataract surgeries for patients. She continues to offer help and support to the peopole of Katsina State.
Nkechinyere Mbah
On June 19, 2024, Nkechinyere Mbah, the First Lady of Enugu State, introduced the Mama Care Initiative, and enrolled 1,701 pregnant women across the state in a year-long health insurance plan. The programme was part of the activities of her Custos Care Foundation, designed to enhance maternal and infant health and address mortality rates.
Mbah also provided financial assistance and food supplies to expectant mothers from all 17 local government areas in Enugu. The Mama Care Initiative reflects her commitment to supporting the state government’s efforts to improve maternal health.
Meanwhile, the Custos Care Foundation is focused on reducing maternal and infant mortality by 2030. The foundation has begun operations in all three senatorial zones of the state and plans to cover health insurance premiums for 33 mothers in each zone.
Nkechinyere has also been an advocate for exclusive breastfeeding, and she recently visited the maternity ward at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital to mark the World Breastfeeding Week. Her advocacy underscores her commitment to improving health practices and outcomes for mothers and children in Enugu State.
