First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Greater Support for Vulnerable Families

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for greater support for vulnerable families, stressing the need to expand access to education, healthcare, skills acquisition, decent livelihoods and economic opportunities as part of efforts to eradicate poverty.

The First Lady made the call in a message to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Saturday, October 17, 2026, urging individuals, institutions and government to work towards building a society where everyone can live with dignity, hope and opportunities to realise their potential.

Mrs Tinubu said addressing poverty requires collective responsibility, compassion, effective interventions and sustained collaboration, particularly to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged households.

“The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2026, with the theme ‘United for Peace and Human Rights’, reminds us of our collective responsibility to build a society where every person can live with dignity and hope, access meaningful opportunities, and thrive to realise their full potential,” she said.

She emphasised that expanding access to essential services and creating sustainable economic opportunities would help vulnerable families improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to society.

The First Lady added that coordinated efforts and practical interventions were necessary to create pathways out of poverty and promote shared prosperity.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually on October 17 to raise awareness of poverty and encourage action to address its causes and consequences.

The United Nations’ overarching theme for 2026 to 2028 is “United for Peace and Human Rights”, while this year’s specific focus is “Safe Homes for All”. The campaign highlights the relationship between housing insecurity, poverty and the ability of individuals to enjoy basic rights and live in dignity. More than 2.8 billion people worldwide experience some form of inadequate housing, according to the UN.

The observance also comes amid continuing concerns about global poverty, inequality and limited access to essential services. The UN has called for stronger social protection, decent employment, affordable housing and greater investment to accelerate progress towards ending poverty in all its forms.

Mrs Tinubu’s message reinforces calls for sustained efforts to empower vulnerable households and ensure that economic opportunities and essential services are accessible to those most in need.