…Donates N100m to boost arts education in rural communities
The federal government has commended Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Nigeria for supporting the most vulnerable groups in the country, through education initiatives, especially for the educationally underserved group in Nigeria
Oluremi Tinubu, the Nigerian First Lady, speaking at a Charity Gala Dinner organised by the Spouses of Heads of Mission in Nigeria, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, applauded the group for their dedication to empowering vulnerable groups in
Nigeria, stating, “It takes such innovations to make lasting impacts in critical sectors of society.”
She also announced a donation of N100 million on behalf of her pet project, Renewed Hope Initiative RHI), to boost arts education through the Five Cowries Art Education initiative, working with the missions to drive art education, especially in the rural communities in Nigeria.
“Through partnerships with the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), fourty-three (43) students are currently enrolled at the African School of Economics (ASE), while seven (7) students have been sponsored by the Belarusian Government to study Medicine, Agriculture, and Information Technology in Belarus. On our part, we have sponsored 47 indigent students across the country with a N1 million annual scholarship”
Tinubu also urged the public to support the initiative through donations, advocacy, or partnerships, adding, “On behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative, we pledge N100 million to support 5,000 arts exhibitions in Nigeria.”
She commended the vision and commitment of Five Cowries’ founder, Polly Alakija, for her efforts in expanding arts education access in rural and underserved Nigerian communities.
She recalled how President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) had since 2023, made significant strides in education and youth empowerment, focusing on the girl-child.
The initiative, she added has sponsored students to study at prestigious institutions both locally and abroad, awarded scholarships to indigent students, and partnered with the Federal Ministry of Education to disburse over 5,100 bursaries to female students. Additionally, 40 Alternative High Schools have been established nationwide to provide second-chance education for girls affected by early pregnancy or child marriage, while over two million exercise books have been distributed to support primary and junior secondary education.
Beyond education, the RHI, she sai, has launched impactful social programmes such as “Flow with Confidence,” which provides disposable menstrual pads to girls in rural communities to prevent school absenteeism. The initiative also supports vulnerable groups through grants, skills training, and relief distribution, reflecting a broad commitment to empowerment and social welfare.
The first lady reiterated her support for creative educational programmes and applauded the collective efforts of those working to empower Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations through innovative initiatives.
Lucrecia Downer, Spouse of the High Commissioner of Jamaica and representative of the event organisers, explained that the gala aimed to raise additional funds to strengthen art education across the country.
Earlier, Alakija, co-founder and CEO of the Five Cowries Arts Education Initiative, shared her vision to expand art education across Africa, emphasising the transformative power of creativity in learning. She highlighted that arts and culture should not be exclusive to the privileged but accessible to all children, as they foster essential soft skills, resilience, and community development.
Drawing from her upbringing steeped in arts and culture, Alakija expressed her commitment to bringing joy and opportunity to children through creative education, which she believes is foundational for personal and national growth.
She also announced a new partnership with the National Gallery of Art to support its Saturday Club, aiming to make Nigerian art accessible to all children, including those out of school. She recounted a touching story of a community leader who credited his primary school art teacher with teaching him life-changing perspectives through drawing. Urging attendees to invest in Nigeria’s children, she thanked the organising committee, her dedicated team, and supporters for their unwavering commitment to the initiative’s success.
