Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated 140,000 copies of seven Merck Foundation storybooks to the Federal Ministry of Education as part of efforts to promote girl-child education, confidence and gender equality across the country.
The books, presented in Abuja on Thursday under the Renewed Hope Initiative, will be distributed to public school libraries nationwide. The collection includes titles such as A Girl into the Future, Educating Linda and other storybooks designed to encourage confidence, empathy, leadership and life skills among children, while challenging gender stereotypes affecting both girls and boys.
The books also feature a foreword written by the First Lady. Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa welcomed the donation, describing it as a valuable contribution to tackling gender discrimination through education and promising a nationwide rollout. Online reactions, however, were mixed, with some Nigerians applauding the initiative while others argued that worsening poverty, insecurity and the rising cost of living require greater government attention.
Meanwhile, the First Lady also found herself back in the spotlight after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu jokingly referred to her as “Iya Alakara” during the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja. The nickname referenced her recent remarks encouraging women to explore small businesses such as selling akara (fried bean cakes) as a source of income amid economic hardship.
The lighthearted remark drew laughter from guests but quickly reignited debate online. Supporters described the President’s comment as affectionate and humorous, while critics argued it was poorly timed given the country’s economic challenges.
Addressing journalists at the event, President Tinubu urged the media to prioritize factual reporting over sensationalism. He also highlighted his administration’s economic reforms and security efforts, including progress in tackling terrorism, before accepting recognition as the Grand Patron of the Presidential Press Corps.
