By Daniel Edu
In a heartwarming event, the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, welcomed and hosted the recently rescued Chibok schoolgirl, Rebecca Kabu, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Rebecca Kabu was among the 276 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram terrorist group on April 14, 2014.
The First Lady, joined by Mrs. Nana Shettima, the wife of the Vice President, extended their assurance that Rebecca would be well taken care of. Mrs. Tinubu expressed her commitment to ensuring Rebecca’s physical and emotional well-being, and she affirmed that the girls still in captivity are not forgotten.
Mrs. Tinubu offered her gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and other entities involved in the successful rescue of Rebecca Kabu.
In a statement, it was shared that Senator Oluremi Tinubu received Rebecca Kabu at the presidential villa. The First Lady stated her determination to provide Rebecca with proper medical care and support, helping her to recover fully and return to school voluntarily.
Mrs. Tinubu also revealed her interest in Rebecca’s case and her plans to ensure that Rebecca becomes one of the first beneficiaries of her NGO, Renewed Hope Initiative. The NGO aims to facilitate the return of matured girls to school to receive a quality education.
The First Lady highlighted the importance of education as a tool for empowering young women to integrate into society and uphold the legacies of their predecessors. She expressed her hope for the safe return of all children still held by Boko Haram and conveyed her anticipation of Rebecca’s joyful reunion with her parents.
Rebecca Kabu, who was kidnapped at the age of 13 in 2014 and has now reached 22 years of age, was rescued on July 17 by Nigerian government security agencies. She underwent thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure her well-being and readiness for reintegration with her family.
Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa, the Coordinator Counter Terrorism Centre at the NSA, shared that Rebecca’s recovery marked a significant step forward. He conveyed that the next phase of the process involves reuniting Rebecca with her family and incorporating her into a government-supported education program, along with 15 other rehabilitated girls who were also rescued.
The First Lady concluded the event by offering her support to Rebecca, acknowledging her recent challenges, and assuring her that she would overcome language barriers. Rebecca, with gratitude, responded softly to the First Lady, and the occasion celebrated her resilience and the hope for a brighter future.
