BREAKING: First Lady Remi Tinubu Distributes 10,000 Professional Kits to Midwives, Nurses in South West
Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, on Thursday flagged off the distribution of professional kits to 10,000 midwives and nurses across the South-West states comprising Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos.
This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) aimed at reducing infant and maternal mortality and morbidity.
The distribution took place at the International Culture and Events Centre, (the Dome) in Akure the Ondo State capital.
Speaking at the event, the first lady said a total of 60,000 kits (scrubs and Crocs) are being distributed across all six geopolitical zones to provide midwives with the right tools and kits to encourage them in their work and improve healthcare delivery.
Her words: “We are here today to flag off the distribution of the professional kits which will be distributed among the states in each zone. Since the initial launch in January 2025, we have distributed the professional kits in four zones, namely North Central, North East, North West and South South.
“Today, we are in Ondo State to distribute the kits for the South West, making this the fifth zone. By the grace of God, we will be concluding with the sixth zone in Enugu, South East zone in June.”
She stressed that the donation has been made possible through the generous support of an anonymous global partner dedicated to improving health outcomes for citizens.
“My first interaction with this partner was at the United Nations General Assembly in 2023, followed by a meeting at the African Union Summit in 2024. The donor is committed to supporting the organisation of African First Ladies for Development and the healthcare sector in Nigeria with a specific focus on reducing infant and maternal morbidity and mortality.
Similarly, Mrs Tinubu said on Friday, she will launch the Free to Shine campaign and the Triple Elimination Initiative targeting HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age, in order to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers.
“Tomorrow, by the grace of God, I will be launching the free to shine triple elimination campaign for HIV AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis here in Ondo State.
“This initiative aims to promote healthier mothers, reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV, which is also the vertical transmission and provide treatment for children born with HIV.
“I commend the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali and his brother, Dr. Salako for their partnership and for the efforts you have both shown. The executive director and CEO of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina and the entire workforce for their dedication which focus on improving healthcare delivery for our citizens as an important pillar of development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Admetinugu GCFR.”
She noted that, “Since inception in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has provided targeted interventions in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health and social investment to improve the lives of families across Nigeria. RHI recognises that the demand of the health professional requires not only skills and compassion, but also the right tools and kits to encourage our midwives as they serve others. We thank you all for the good work you are doing and God bless you and your families.
“In the spirit of today’s event, the Renewed Hope Initiative will be presenting an additional grant of 50 million Naira to the First Lady of Ondo State to support 1,000 women petty traders in Ondo State with a sum of 50,000 each to recapitalise their existing businesses.”
She emphasised that the programme also targets 200 women in textile production, who will be empowered with materials and resources to support their businesses.
“Today will be, after we leave this hall, we are also empowering about 200 women who are in textile businesses. We brought about some 400 bales of African free and we’re going to give two bales each to one of the 200 women and part of the 1,000 women to be empowered, 200 of them would also get the grant of 50,000.”
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa in his remark appreciated the first lady for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting healthcare workers through the distribution of professional kits to Nurses and Midwives in Ondo State.
“We do not take this rare gesture for granted. This thoughtful gesture will, undoubtedly, have a profound impact on the lives of our citizens, particularly in the area of maternal and child health. The provision of these kits will not only boost the morale of our Nurses and Midwives but also enhance the quality of care they provide to our citizens.
“As we are all aware, investments in maternal and child health have significant returns, not only in terms of improved health outcomes but also in terms of economic productivity and societal well-being. Your initiative is, therefore, a timely and strategic intervention that will, definitely, contribute to the achievement of our State’s health development goals.”
