The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Sunday, received four of the five students of Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, rescued from kidnappers at the State House.
This was as she described learning and education as veritable weapons in the fight against terrorism and criminality by individuals and communities.
Each girl also received a scholarship grant of N1m and a brand-new laptop from the Renewed Hope Initiative as Tinubu announced that the Federal Government would give a sum of N2m to the parents of each of the rescued girls and N1m to the Vice Chancellor of the university.
The Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media, Busola Kukoyi, disclosed this in a statement she signed on Sunday, titled ‘First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says education is the great weapon in the fight against terrorism.’
The statement quoted Tinubu as saying,, “I join a cheerful nation to welcome our beloved daughters home as you reunite 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. 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 the Almighty God for protecting you and reuniting you with your loved ones.”
The First Lady assured the rescued girls of the Federal Government’s commitment and that of the Renewed Hope Initiative, to support them psychologically and with their education as they begin their healing after more than 70 days in captivity.
She added that their experience must not hinder their educational pursuits and career interests.
“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, are also committed to providing you with guidance and support to reach your full potential,” she explained.
The former lawmaker noted that their experience and that of other Nigerians who have been kidnapped is “difficult” encouraging them that this phase will pass with the determination and tenacity of the security and intelligence forces and the support of all Nigerians.
She expressed gratitude for their safe return and commended the leadership role of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
She also praised 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 statement read.
The representative of the National Security Adviser, Brigadier 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 the parents of the rescued girls, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin Ma Katsina, a Representative of the Inspector General of Police and the National Counter Terrorism Legal Officer.
