Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, used a flag‑off ceremony in Abuja to urge Nigerians to emulate Kaduna State’s model of inter‑faith and inter‑ethnic harmony. The event marked the distribution of 100 trucks of rice and N1.2 billion in palliative assistance to vulnerable Muslim communities across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The ceremony, held at the Abba Kyari banquet hall, launched the humanitarian aid ahead of Eid el‑Kabir, a period traditionally associated with sacrifice, compassion and gratitude. Tinubu described the support as a “gesture of solidarity to appreciate the Muslim Ummah of northern Nigeria.” She noted that the program translates the spirit of the festival into concrete assistance for those in need.
Tinubu recalled a similar distribution carried out on 23 December 2025, when palliatives were delivered to Christian communities in the north. “Today we fulfil the same commitment to our Muslim brothers and sisters,” she said, underscoring the administration’s intent to balance aid across religious lines.
The First Lady appealed to religious and community leaders to continue preaching peace and mutual respect, stressing that a united Nigeria is better equipped to face challenges. She thanked ulama, traditional rulers and community leaders for their prayers and support, and commended Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari and his team for coordinating the programme.
Governor Uba Sani, in a goodwill message, praised Tinubu’s “unwavering dedication to the welfare of the vulnerable” and highlighted her previous outreach to Christian families during the previous year’s Christmas season. He described the First Lady’s interventions as “a powerful expression of unity, inclusiveness and shared humanity,” noting that they convey a reassuring message that every Nigerian matters, irrespective of faith, ethnicity or circumstance.
Sani added that the current aid program, carried out in collaboration with the Muslim Intellectuals Forum, reflects Tinubu’s inclusive approach, benefiting Muslims, Christians and people from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds. He reiterated Kaduna State’s commitment to alleviating hardship through targeted social interventions, support for small‑ and medium‑size enterprises, youth empowerment, agricultural development and sustained security investments.
The distribution of rice and cash assistance aims to cushion the impact of economic reforms and improve living standards for marginalized populations in northern Nigeria. By addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable groups ahead of a major religious festival, the government seeks to reinforce social cohesion and demonstrate a balanced approach to humanitarian aid across the country’s diverse communities.
