Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to demonstrate greater compassion toward one another and deepen their commitment to national unity, saying love, kindness, and mutual support remain essential to building a stronger nation.
Speaking on Tuesday while receiving the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Shaul Freeman, at the State House, Abuja, the First Lady said compassion is a fundamental national value that should guide relationships among citizens regardless of ethnic, religious, or social differences.
She urged Nigerians to cultivate a stronger sense of patriotism by believing in the country’s potential and supporting one another, particularly the less privileged.
“I love Nigeria. It is a great country and there is no investment that you put in Nigeria that goes to waste,” she said.
“The more I discover who we are, the more I see how blessed this nation is, and I pray that the young people and the coming generation can see that this is a great nation.”
She noted that Nigeria’s diversity is a blessing and welcomed the confidence shown by international partners who continue to invest in and support the country’s development.
“It is amazing how God has put us together, but to now find allies from foreign countries believing in this country is a great blessing.
“We really need to show compassion to one another, and showing compassion takes a lot of godliness. All it takes is for a comfortable person to help others,” the First Lady added.
Senator Tinubu’s remarks come amid growing calls for stronger social cohesion and collective responsibility as Nigeria grapples with economic and security challenges.
Earlier, the Israeli Ambassador commended the First Lady’s “Renewed Hope Initiative”, describing it as a platform that has positively impacted vulnerable Nigerians through programmes focused on agriculture, healthcare, education, technology, women empowerment, and youth development.
Freeman, who is concluding his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria after nearly three years, said his visit was an opportunity to express appreciation for the country’s hospitality and reaffirm Israel’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
“There is a new team and they are ready to work with the Nigerian nation,” he said.
The ambassador disclosed that Israel would donate three state-of-the-art ambulances to Nigeria’s healthcare system, while continuing medical collaborations that include training Nigerian doctors and deploying Israeli medical professionals to support healthcare delivery.
He also said the Israeli Embassy would donate additional wheelchairs to orphanages and sustain its humanitarian outreach to vulnerable communities across the country.
Highlighting existing areas of cooperation, Freeman said Israel would continue to partner with Nigeria in agriculture, healthcare, technology, and other sectors critical to national development.
“For me, Nigeria has been the most incredible experience. I have had the most fantastic time, and I want you to know that we are committed to this nation, including our Foreign Minister, the Prime Minister, the President, and our First Lady,” he said.
Reaffirming Israel’s commitment to the bilateral relationship, the envoy added: “Nigeria is our partner, Nigeria is our friend, and we are ready to do incredible things for our friends and partners.”
The meeting was also attended by Israel’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Rachel Mishel Stavissky, and the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite.
