Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says education is the foundation of true national development. She made this assertion during a Charity Gala Event organized by the Spouses of Heads of Missions in Nigeria, in support of the Five Cowries Art Education Initiative, a non-governmental organization focused on enhancing learning outcomes through arts.

The First Lady commended the Spouses of Heads of Missions for their contributions to Nigeria’s development, highlighting their efforts in renovating schools, assisting hospitals, and supporting vulnerable businesses. She expressed admiration for their dedication to making a lasting impact in Nigerian communities. Senator Tinubu noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to education and youth empowerment, citing the Renewed Hope Initiative’s contributions to these sectors since 2023.

On behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Tinubu pledged N100 million to support 5,000 arts exhibitions across Nigeria, encouraging others to contribute financially, through advocacy, or partnership. This initiative aims to promote art education, enhance learning outcomes, and increase access to education in rural and underserved communities.

Mrs. Lucrecia Downer, spouse of the British High Commissioner to Jamaica, noted that arts in education help strengthen learning outcomes. She explained that the Spouses of Heads of Missions were motivated to support the Five Cowries Art Education Initiative to raise funds and enhance art education in Nigeria.

Polly Alakija, founder of the Five Cowries Arts Education Initiative, outlined plans to expand art education across Africa. The Charity Gala Night was designed to support the initiative’s programs, focusing on global issues like conservation, citizenship, and health, while serving as an advocacy tool to educate children and women in rural communities.