President Muhammadu Buhari has hosted three of his young supporters in his office at the presidential villa, Abuja.
Nicole Benson, from Lagos, Maya Jamal from Abuja and Aisha Gebbi from Bauchi have all professed their support for the president in different ways.
Ms. Benson, a 12-year-old pupil of Greensprings School Lekki in Lagos, made headlines prior to the 2015 presidential election when she donated her N5,785 lunch ticket to then candidate Buhari as her contribution to his presidential campaign.
Maya Jammal, the three-year-old daughter of a popular social media user, “White Nigerian” was seen in a 10 second video praying for the quick recovery of Mr. Buhari while he was in London receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.
Aisha, who is a 10-year-old from Bauchi, penned a letter seeking a face-to-face meeting with the president, which was posted by her niece, Huseini Gebi, asking for a retweet to make her dream a reality.
Her wish was granted as the three kids spent about 30 minutes with the president Monday morning.
“I am very impressed by what the children have been able to do,’’ President Buhari said, “I can see Maya is shy. I watched her video where she was praying for my recovery when I was ill.’’
The president attributed his victory at the polls to the contributions of good-hearted Nigerians, ”like young Nicole, who is from Lagos State, and showed her support by sending her personal savings.”
“Nicole, I congratulate you, and myself for being here today. Your contribution made a great impact. As you can see, I am here in the Presidential Villa. Thank you,” he said.
An elated President Buhari told Aisha that her letter was ”heart-warming,” noting that he felt re-assured knowing he had fans amongst the children.
“Thank you very much for the letter,’’ he said.
The president said he looked forward to more visits from the children.
“I am hoping that it will not be the first and last time we will be meeting while I am here. We will continue to meet even after I have left here.’’
Speaking on behalf of all the parents of the kids, Aliyu Gebbi, said the president’s gesture of inviting the children to the presidential villa was a dream come true.
Mr. Gebbi said the invitation also added to the president’s long-standing record of good-heartedness and fairness.
“In a nation with few legends and accuracy of truth, we look up to you, Mr. President, and our children are looking up to you,’’ he said.
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