At the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria, on Friday, Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic, warmly welcomed Rebecca Kabu, one of the 277 Chibok schoolgirls who had been abducted by Boko Haram in 2014.
Accompanied by Hajia Nana Shettima, the wife of the Vice President, the First Lady assured Rebecca of her comprehensive medical care and expressed her determination to facilitate her smooth return to school.
Mrs. Tinubu, while vowing not to forget the other girls still in captivity, extended her gratitude to the National Security Adviser, National Intelligence Agency, and other security entities for their instrumental role in Rebecca’s rescue.
She offered words of encouragement, stating, “In the face of adversity, it’s important to address cases of amnesia; your presence here is a testament to God’s plans for you.
I am deeply thankful to the NSA and NIA for their unyielding efforts, as well as to all those contributing to Rebecca’s rehabilitation.”
The First Lady declared Rebecca to be a remarkable story of triumph, destined to be the first among many returnees.
Highlighting her commitment to education, Mrs. Tinubu spoke about her NGO, the Renewed Hope Initiative, working tirelessly to reintegrate mature girls who had been compelled to leave school, ensuring they have access to quality education.
Rebecca, she promised, would be among the first recipients of her benevolent initiatives.
Tinubu emphasized the significance of educating the younger generation, as it equips them to contribute to society and uphold the positive legacies of their predecessors.
She discussed the idea of alternative high schools, where individuals like Rebecca could learn at their own pace, underlining the importance of education as a tool for personal growth and preparing for the responsibilities that lie ahead.
Rebecca, softly responding, conveyed her struggles with understanding English language.
In a reassuring tone, the First Lady comforted her, expressing confidence that she would overcome this challenge with time.
Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa, Coordinator of the Counter Terrorism Centre at the NSA, provided further insight.
He revealed that Rebecca, who was abducted at the age of 13 and was now 22, had been successfully rescued by government security agencies on July 17.
He confirmed her sound mental and physical health, paving the way for a heartwarming reunion with her parents in Zana village, Borno state.
He also disclosed plans for the NSA office to advocate for her and 15 other rehabilitated girls, ensuring they receive educational support from the Federal Government.
