Oluremi Tinubu Seeks Stronger Partnership with World Bank on Child Development in Nigeria

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…Says Nigeria’s Population Is a Major Advantage

L-R World Bank Nigeria Office Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist, Dr Awa Diagne, World Bank Country Director, Dr Mathew Verghis, First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, World Bank Early Years Program Lead, Dr Ritgak Tilley-Gyado, World Bank Education Specialist, Dr Mistura Rufai and External Relations officer, Mansir Nasir after the courtesy visit of the World bank Team to the First Lady at the State House Abuja.


Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in early childhood development, describing ’s large population as a strategic advantage for national growth and development.

Speaking on Monday while receiving a delegation from the World Bank at the State House, Abuja, the First Lady said investments in children from an early age are critical for improving opportunities, sharpening focus and building the nation’s future workforce.

“The population size of Nigeria alone is our advantage because Nigeria is a great nation,” she said, adding that the government remains committed to policies and programmes that promote the welfare and progress of citizens.

Mrs Tinubu highlighted ongoing collaboration with ministries and agencies on environmental sanitation, health awareness and social interventions, noting that a multi-sectoral approach is essential for sustainable development.

She said her office would continue to work with wives of state governors to drive key interventions targeted at children and families, including the expansion of school feeding programmes.

“We are looking forward to school feeding. I can assure you that before we finish our tenure, it would have been properly established because Mr President is very passionate about it,” she said.

World Bank Country Director, Dr Mathew Verghis in a handshake with First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu after the courtesy visit of the World bank Team to the First Lady at the State House Abuja


Earlier, World Bank Country Director, Matthew Verghis, who led the delegation, called for stronger partnerships with Nigerian leaders to support Early Childhood Development (ECD), describing it as one of the country’s most important long-term investments.

He said the World Bank’s five-to-six-year partnership framework with Nigeria prioritises nutrition, education, healthcare and skills development, particularly for children from pregnancy to age five.

According to him, investments made during those formative years produce significant long-term returns by improving cognitive development, reducing healthcare costs and helping to break cycles of poverty.

“Nigeria is one of the World Bank’s largest partners and its success is crucial to the achievement of our global targets in healthcare, education, broadband and energy access,” Verghis said.

The World Bank delegation also commended the First Lady’s ongoing campaigns against child malnutrition and other interventions aimed at improving child welfare across the country.

The five-member team visited the First Lady’s office to brief her on the bank’s proposed early childhood development programme for Nigeria over the next five years, which is currently at the technical and analytical stage.

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