BOND OF COMPASSION: How the ‘Mother-Daughter Partnership’ of Mrs Tinubu and Mrs Musa is Transforming Lives of Less Privileged Nigerians
By Chidi Omeje
The bond between Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, and Mrs. Oghogho Musa, the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, is a heartwarming testament to the transformative power of friendship and compassion. Their relationship has blossomed into a beautiful mother-daughter dynamic, bringing joy and succor to the lives of countless Nigerians, particularly the less privileged.
Through their shared passion for humanitarian work and community development, these two remarkable women are inspiring a new generation of leaders and changemakers, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of Nigerian society. Their partnership is a shining example of the impact that can be achieved when people come together in pursuit of a common goal.
As they work tirelessly to uplift vulnerable communities and promote social welfare, Mrs. Tinubu and Mrs. Musa are redefining the notion of leadership and public service. Their selfless dedication to the well-being of others is a powerful reminder that true greatness is not measured by position or title but by the positive difference one makes in the lives of others.
She calls the First Lady mother, and she in turn pampers her with the attention and love of a mother. Two beautiful souls brought together by providence to uplift the living conditions of the less privileged in the society.
While Senator (Mrs) Remi Tinubu runs an NGO called Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Mrs Oghogho Musa superintends over the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) as its President.
Renewed Hope Initiative is a fantastic program that focuses on economic empowerment, particularly for women and youths across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. One of the program’s key objectives is to support the economic reforms of the current administration. To achieve this, the Renewed Hope Initiative has been providing grants to petty traders, farmers, and other small business owners. The initiative also encompasses other areas, such as agriculture, education, social investment, and healthcare. Overall, the Renewed Hope Initiative is making a significant impact in the lives of many Nigerians, and its focus on economic empowerment is definitely a step in the right direction.
The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (an umbrella organization of wives of military and police officers in Nigeria) on the other hand, is an amazing organization that has been making a real difference in the lives of many people. Under the able leadership of Mrs. Oghogho Musa, the wife of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, DEPOWA is all about enhancing the lives of individuals within and outside the military and Police Barracks. One of the association’s key focus areas is empowering women and youths through skill acquisition and community development. Mrs. Musa has emphasized the importance of this, recognizing that by equipping women and young people with valuable skills, they can become more self-sufficient and contribute positively to their communities.
Shared Values, Working Partnership
Apart from their shared passion for philanthropy and community development that underpins their relationship, both women are deeply spiritual with high ethical and moral capital. While the older woman, Mrs Tinubu is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Church of God, Mrs Musa is a devout Christian who prioritizes her commitment to living a quiet, private life despite her elevated position in society.
It is most likely therefore that what draws Mrs Musa very close to the heart of the First lady is her sense of modesty, loyalty, respect and open heart. This mutual love and respect have translated to the partnership and collaboration. Not just that; on numerous occasions, the First Lady had delegated the younger woman to represent her in high profile events. At other times, she had requested Mrs Musa to accompany in her to state functions.
Read Also:
The motherly love and daughterly devotion of the women is given more practical expression in their collaborations to uplift the living conditions of the less privileged. On several occasions, Mrs Tinubu’s RHI donated variety of food and welfare items to Mrs Musa’s DEPOWA to support its humanitarian activities. For instance, on 14 September, 2024, RHI donated items worth millions for distribution to wives of fallen heroes.
DEPOWA on its part ensures that it leverages on the support of the First Lady to reach out to the indigent members of the society. As one of DEPOWA staff revealed, one thing that the ever appreciative Mrs Musa does not ever joke with is ensuring that she expresses her appreciation to the First Lady, whom she calls mother, in every public speech she makes, for her love, guidance and support.
In a remarkable show of confidence in Mrs Musa-led DEPOWA, the Second Edition of Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme was launched on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in collaboration with DEPOWA. The flagship programme spearheaded by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aims to provide essential care and welfare to citizens aged 65 and above. A total of 250 beneficiaries across the 36 states, the federal capital and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) benefitted.
It was announced at the event that the Renewed Hope Initiative governing Board had increased the annual grant from N100,000 to N200,000, reflecting its resolve to enhance the quality of life for Nigeria’s senior citizens during the festive season. Senator Tinubu announced that N1.9 billion naira has been disbursed nationwide for this purpose.
Coordinators across the federation have each received N50m, ensuring that the grants and accompanying welfare items, including bags of rice, noodles, cooking oil and other essentials, are promptly delivered. While 500 veterans will now benefit annually, 250 are currently being supported through RHI”, she said.
The First Lady extended her heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders, including first ladies of states, RHI coordinators, DEPOWA President, Mrs Musa, and others, for their unwavering commitment to the programme’s successes.
Expressing her heartfelt appreciation, Mrs Oghogho Musa noted the significance of supporting elderly veterans of the armed forces and police, especially during a time of the years that symbolizes love, peace and joy.
“With great joy and utmost respect, I humbly welcome our mother and special guest of honour, Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your continued efforts through the Renewed Hope Initiative have brought hope and care to our elderly citizens across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” Mrs. Musa stated.
She also emphasized the need for societal care for the elderly, citing United Nations projections that the global population of people aged 65 and above will double from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion by 2050.
“In many cultures, the elderly ones are seen as pillars of wisdom and experience who deserve care and compassion. This programme is not just about responsibility; it is a privilege to express love and gratitude to those who have served our nation,” she added.
As usual, Mrs. Musa praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her unwavering commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups, particularly elderly citizens, noting that such support is inspiring and worthy of recognition. “Let us all rise in ovation to honour our mother, our beacon of compassion, love, and leadership”.
“With great joy and utmost respect, I humbly welcome our mother and special guest of honour, Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your continued efforts through the Renewed Hope Initiative have brought hope and care to our elderly citizens across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” Mrs. Musa stated. Mrs. Musa emphasized the need for societal care for the elderly, citing United Nations projections that the global population of people aged 65 and above will double from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion by 2050. “In many cultures, the elderly are seen as pillars of wisdom and experience who deserve care and compassion. This programme is not just about responsibility; it is a privilege to express love and gratitude to those who have served our nation,” she added. Mrs.
Musa praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her unwavering commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups, particularly elderly citizens, noting that such support is inspiring and worthy of recognition. “Let us all rise in ovation to honour our mother, our beacon of compassion, love, and leadership.
In a world where kindness and empathy often seem in short supply, the heartwarming relationship between Mrs Tinubu and Mrs Musa shines brightly, reminding us that love, compassion, and friendship can change lives forever.
