Nigeria First Lady Awards N4m Scholarships to Rescued FUDMA Students

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, through her initiative, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), gave N4 million scholarship grants and four brand new laptops to four of the five rescued Federal University Dutsin-Ma students, who visited her at the State House, Abuja, on Sunday, December 17. Each rescued girl received a scholarship grant of N1 million and a brand-new laptop.

According to her, “I join a cheerful nation to welcome our beloved daughters home as you re-unite 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.

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“Throughout this period, we have kept faith and trust in God and in our law enforcement agencies that you will return safely. 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 assured the rescued girls 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.

According to a statement issued by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady added, “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.”

Senator Oluremi 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.

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She also 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 Brigader 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 Governments support.

Present at the meeting were parents of the rescued girls, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin Ma Katsina, Representative of the Inspector General of Police and National Counter Terrorism Legal Officer.