By Cross Udo, Abuja
Traditional rulers in Enugu State have reportedly tacitly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, declaring that there is no vacancy in Aso Villa, Abuja.
The monarchs made the declaration when they met with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Enugu, the state capital.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu had described the traditional rulers as the eyes and ears of government at the grassroots and appealed to them to align with her vision to promote the health and wellbeing of their subjects by supporting her advocacies against cervical cancer, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Female Genital Mutilation.
While applauding the synergy between the Federal government and the state, the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness Samuel Asadu, noted with pride that unsafe cultural practices that hinder the growth of women have been eradicated in the state.
He commended what he described as the hard work and commitment of President Tinubu, as well as the dedication of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to improving Nigeria.
A statement issued by the media aide to Mrs Tinubu, Busola Kukoyi, quoted the royal father as saying, “For us here in Enugu, we the traditional rulers say, no vacancy in Aso Rock.”
Speaking to the people, Mrs Tinubu said the nation’s diversity and differences are a blessing that must be used positively to build a Strong, safe and prosperous Nigeria.
The First Lady, who was on a two-day visit to the state, said: “As leaders, we are responsible to take care of all Nigeria, political affiliation notwithstanding.
“Nigeria is a beautiful country, and no one should hinder anyone from visiting any part of the country to experience this. We pray our security will improve, and Nigeria should get to that place of safety.”
She highlighted some of the upcoming programs of the Renewed Hope initiative, which includes Flow with Confidence, aimed at ensuring that no adolescent girl misses school because of her monthly flow, and the Environment Club/Society, aimed at getting students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions to participate more actively in restoring the environment.
At the venue of the presentation of professional kits to midwives in the Southeast Geopolitical Zone, the First Lady expressed satisfaction at concluding the distribution of scrubs and Crocs to the six geopolitical zones, with Enugu completing the exercise.
“Since the initial launch in January 2025, we have distributed 50,000 scrubs and 50,000 pairs of Crocs to five geopolitical zones, namely North Central, North East, North West, South-South and South West zones. Today, we are in Enugu for the South East and the last geopolitical zone to receive their allocated share of scrubs and crocs”.
In his remarks, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah described the First Lady as the Florence Nightingale of her time, owing to her responsiveness to various pressing health issues.
He also applauded President Tinubu.
“His goodwill and love is appreciated. He is an epitome of courage and dedication, he said.
To the beneficiaries, Governor Mbah said, “Your kits matter because you matter, and your work matters.”
The event provided an opportunity to present a grant of N50 million for onward distribution to 1,000 women petty traders in Enugu State under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
