The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has reiterated the need for inclusive national growth and sustained attention to rural development in her message to commemorate World Rural Development Day.
In her address, the First Lady emphasized that rural communities form the backbone of Nigeria’s socio-economic structure and must not be left behind in the nation’s development strides. She called for collaborative efforts between government, private sector, and civil society to bridge the rural-urban development gap.
“Our rural areas are rich in culture, resources, and potential. Yet, they continue to face challenges in access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. Today, we must renew our commitment to uplifting the lives of our rural population through targeted investments and inclusive policies,” she said.
Senator Tinubu acknowledged the significant role women and youths play in rural economies, especially in agriculture, artisanal trades, and local enterprise. She advocated for empowerment initiatives that provide access to finance, modern tools, training, and markets.
The First Lady also highlighted her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) as one of the vehicles through which women, children, and families in underserved communities are being supported with vocational training, nutritional programs, and health interventions.
“Let this day remind us that sustainable development must be people-centered, and that true progress is when no one—especially those in rural areas—is left behind,” she concluded.
She called on all Nigerians to support government initiatives and community-based solutions that foster rural development and economic resilience.
