First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, inaugurated an Alternative High School for Girls constructed by the Renewed Hope Initiative in Osogbo, Osun State, on Friday.

Mrs Tinubu equally provided items (shoes and handbags) for business startups, and N50 million to 1000 women in Osun to startup or boost their small businesses.

She said, “I am delighted to be back again in Osogbo, Osun State to inaugurate the alternative high school for girls. On April 23, the soil turning ceremony for the construction of this school took place. Today’s inauguration marks the fulfilment of the commitment I made during the launch of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) hashtag “we are equal campaign in Nigeria” on May 13, using education as my focus under the theme, “Education as a powerful tool for change, no girl left behind.’’ This is to ensure that women and girls, regardless of their circumstance, have access to quality education.”

Mrs Tinubu appreciated Governor Ademola Adeleke and his wife for approving the land on which the school was erected.

She said the school in Osogbo was one of the six alternative schools for girls that would be built across Nigeria by the Universal Basic Education Commission.

The wife of the President said that five other schools were to be built in Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo and Rivers states.

According to her, there are 44 other alternative high schools already built across the northern part of the country.

Mrs Tinubu said that the Renewed Hope Initiative would continue to champion programmes that empower girls, women and youth across the country.

“Education empowers individuals to meet their full potential.” she said

She noted that the alternative high school for girls in Osogbo was equipped with state of the art facilities, including a crèche to ensure young mothers could attend classes without worrying about their babies.

‘It also has a skills acquisition centre to provide vocational training and economic empowerment, modern classrooms and also an ICT centre,” she said

Mrs Tinubu subsequently handed over the school to the Osun State Government.

In addition, the first lady donated brand new shoes, handbags and N50,000 each to 1000 women as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Scheme.

She said that the governor’s wife, Titilola Adeleke, would disburse the items and N50 million (already deposited) to the 1000 selected women.

Mrs Tinubu said that on December 17, 250 elderly persons in the state would receive N200,000 each under the Renewed Hope Elderly Support Programme.

According to her, the state government promised to match the gesture and provide the same amount to an additional 250 elderly persons.

Earlier, the state governor thanked the first lady and her husband for establishing the school in his state

He said, “We are elated because the family under the father of the nation, President Bola Tinubu, is deepening state-federal relationship. This new partnership is a landmark development in the history of our nation. We express our gratitude to the first lady on this completed project.’’

(NAN)