Oluremi Tinubu’s Memorable Mission To Plateau

The Thursday visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Jos, Plateau State marked more than just a humanitarian mission. It became a defining moment of unity as she drew together members of opposing political parties, traditional and religious leaders, members of the civil society, and other under one roof, calling for peace and healing beyond politics, ethnicity, or religion.

The First Lady’s emotionally charged appeal came during an engagement attended by a cross-section of society. Her words, drawn from a place of deep concern, maternal compassion, and spiritual conviction, went beyond the ₦1 billion donation she announced for internally displaced persons, or the 1,800 (25kg) bags of rice she brought for people with disabilities.

They challenged leaders in all fronts to “mend the hedge” which has been broken, and commit to lasting unity and peace in the State.

“I Didn’t Come for Politics”

From the onset, Mrs. Tinubu was clear about her mission, “I didn’t come for politics. I didn’t come to support one tribe. I came as a mother who is deeply pained by the violence and bloodshed this State has seen,” she stressed, as she recalled previous visits to Plateau that were marked by tragedy.

This time, she declared with finality, “Let this be the last time I come here because of crisis. Next time, I want to come to enjoy the beauty and peace of Plateau.”

Her statement carried weight not just because of her position, but because she managed to do what few leaders have succeeded at in recent times, bringing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as well as other affiliations to sit, listen, and respond as one.

Mrs. Tinubu reminded attendees of the symbolism behind Nigeria’s reinstated national anthem and the responsibility it places on leaders to “hand over a banner without stain to our children.”

She challenged the audience to stand together against violence saying, “What legacy are we leaving behind?”

Breaking the Hedge

Quoting the Bible Book of Ecclesiastes, the First Lady emphasized, “He who breaks a hedge, the serpent will bite.” It was a call to spiritual and moral introspection, as she painted a picture of how internal disunity opens the door for external destruction, an indictment not just of government but of community leaders and citizens who permit bitterness, tribalism, and vengeance to thrive.

Mrs. Tinubu implored the men of Plateau to protect women and children. “We women do not fight. We do not carry arms. But we are asking you to protect us and ensure that our children grow up in peace.”

It was a stirring appeal for male leaders to re-assume their roles as protectors of peace and not participants in violence.

A Legacy of Unity, Not Politics

The event was deliberately designed to send a strong message of unity. Sitting in the audience were politicians from both divides,PDP, APC, and others, who momentarily set aside partisanship. The gesture was significant, especially in a State often fragmented along party and ethnic lines.

Mrs. Tinubu acknowledged this and made it clear: “My love for this country is not political. I am here today not as a politician, but as someone who wants to see this nation flourish.”

She reminisced about her earlier visits to Plateau and the promise the land holds, describing a child who welcomed her at the airport with fruits, calling Jos “the land of peace and tourism.”

That moment, she said, was a divine confirmation that Plateau’s destiny is peace, not violence.

A Pledge to Follow Through

In his response, Governor Mutfwang described the First Lady as a “mother of the nation” whose passion for the people transcends politics.

“She entered government with a clear focus, not for self-gain, but to uplift humanity,” he said.

Governor Mutfwang assured the First Lady that her message had been heard, stating, “Your visit will not be in vain. We are bringing together traditional, religious, and community leaders to put an end to the over three decades of crisis. We are not yet there, but by God’s grace, and with voices like yours guiding us, we will get there.”

He further emphasized his administration’s commitment to building a Plateau that is truly the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”

The Governor pledged to restore the State’s lost glory and create an environment where future visits by dignitaries like the First Lady would be purely for celebration, not condolence.

What Next for Plateau Leaders?

The unity displayed at the event offers a rare opportunity for Plateau’s political and community leaders to reframe the discourse.

The First Lady’s call provides a clear blueprint, strip away politics, prioritize humanity, and secure the future of the next generation.

It is now left to Plateau’s leadership, across all political, ethnic, religious lines, and other to build on this foundation.

The ₦1 billion donation is significant, but its true value lies in the hope and healing it symbolizes. For Plateau to truly move forward, leaders must institutionalize this unity, ensure justice, and guard against anything that could “break the hedge” again.

In Mrs. Tinubu’s words, “Let this be the last time I come for crisis.” Plateau leaders now have a moral and spiritual mandate to make sure that indeed, it is.

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