The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially flagged off the distribution of professional kits to midwives in the North East geopolitical zone. The initiative, spearheaded by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), was launched during a ceremony held in Jalingo, Taraba State.
In her address, Senator Tinubu highlighted that healthcare delivery requires more than skill and compassion—it also depends on having the right tools and infrastructure. She affirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to improving the healthcare sector nationwide.
Commending the midwives and the entire health workforce, she stated that their contributions are crucial to reducing maternal and child mortality in Nigeria. “This event is to complement the ongoing Federal Government retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide. I am informed that 59,570 have already completed their training,” she said.
To support this effort, RHI procured 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 pairs of crocs as incentives to encourage midwives. “All six geopolitical zones will receive 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of crocs, with the North East receiving its share today,” she added.
The First Lady praised health sector leadership, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, and the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, for their dedication to enhancing healthcare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Since its inception in 2023, RHI has launched targeted interventions in health, education, agriculture, economic empowerment, and social investment to uplift Nigerian families. “RHI recognises the importance of equipping midwives not just with skills, but also with adequate tools,” she said.
As part of the event, Senator Tinubu also announced a N50 million business recapitalization grant for 1,000 petty traders in Taraba State. The state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, pledged to match the grant with support for an additional 1,000 traders.
“In the spirit of today’s event,” the First Lady added, “another N50 million grant will be presented to the First Lady of Delta State and RHI State Coordinator to support 1,000 women petty traders with N50,000 each to recapitalize their businesses.”
Governor Agbu Kefas, in his remarks, praised the ongoing transformation in the health sector and commended Senator Tinubu for her efforts in uplifting ordinary Nigerians. Similarly, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate assured attendees that the Federal Government is working to close gaps in healthcare access and affordability, especially for mothers and pregnant women.
The professional kits were officially presented to the wives of governors of the North East states by the First Lady and National Chairman of RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Additionally, the RHI Small Business Recapitalization Grant of N50 million was presented to the wife of the Taraba State Governor, Mrs. Agayin Kefas.
Earlier in the day, the First Lady met with the Taraba State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, led by the Aku Uka of Wukari. She appealed for their support in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, syphilis, and tuberculosis.