The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on politicians to place the interests of the electorate above party allegiance in the discharge of their duties.

She made the call on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by her Renewed Hope Initiative, held with traditional rulers and religious leaders in Lagos.

Tinubu emphasised that public service should be rooted in commitment to the people, not merely loyalty to political platforms. The meeting, which brought together key community influencers, lawmakers, political leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders in the state, focused on strengthening grassroots engagement and fostering unity for national development through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The First Lady also reaffirmed her commitment to supporting policies and programmes that promote peace, development, and the well-being of all Nigerians. She pledged to work with all stakeholders and also to look into their various request tabled before her.

In his welcome address at the event, the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, highlighted the importance of the First Lady’s decision to engage directly with traditional and religious leaders, describing them as critical stakeholders in the conversations of governance.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the timing of the visit, which coincides with the ongoing Isese Week, a period of cultural celebration among Yoruba traditional institutions.

He praised the religious and traditional institutions for their continued prayers and support for the state, reaffirming the government’s commitment to working closely with them.

“Their prayers are with us. It is not a coincidence that this visit comes during Isese Week. It shows our traditional institution is alive and vibrant. We also recognise our religious leaders, and this government values your interventions in all spheres of life,” he added.

The governor commended the First Lady for her impact through the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that within just two and a half years, she has introduced transformative programmes targeting the vulnerable across Nigeria.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, also lauded the visit of the First Lady to Lagos, describing it as a significant and symbolic gesture that reaffirms her strong connection to the state.

Obasa expressed gratitude for her return, noting that her presence brings a renewed sense of awareness and pride among Lagosians.

“It’s very good to have her back in Lagos. She’s always been our mother first as the First Lady of Lagos State and now as the First Lady of the Federation. Her visit, announced and well-organised, sends a clear message to all Lagosians that she remains committed to the state’s progress,” Obasa said.

He commended the First Lady’s focus on developmental initiatives, including her emphasis on food security and poverty alleviation, as well as her outreach to traditional rulers, describing these efforts as aligning with constitutional responsibilities and community needs.

On the subject of the girl child, Speaker Obasa reaffirmed Lagos State’s proactive stance, citing existing legislation addressing rape, abuse, and child protection within schools