Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has flagged off the distribution of Professional kits to midwives provided by her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative, with a promise to spread this to Nurses generally as soon as possible.
She was speaking at the flag off for the South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria held in Asaba, Delta State.
The First Lady, who noted that the demands of the health profession goes beyond mere skills and compassion, pointed out that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is moving in the right direction to make healthcare delivery better in the country.
She said that the right tools and infrastructure are also being provided.
While commending the efforts and contributions of the midwives and the entire health workforce, Mrs Tinubu said their efforts continue to be pivotal to attaining the reduction of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.
She said: “This event is to complement the ongoing Federal Government retraining exercise for 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide. I am informed that 59,570 health workers have already completed their training and that is why the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) procured 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 pairs of crocs, as an incentive to encourage and support the tireless dedication of our Midwives.”
Encouragement
She appealed to Nigerians to keep encouraging health workers for their tireless efforts, especially the leadership of the sector.
“I commend the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, and their entire workforce for their dedicated 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 Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“All six geopolitical zones will receive 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of crocs, which will be distributed among the states in each zone. The South – South Zone is receiving its allocation today.
“Since inception in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) 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 demands of the health profession require not only skills and compassion, but also the right tools and kits to encourage our Midwives as they serve others. We thank you for all your good work,” she disclosed.
The First Lady reassured Nigerians that the Administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the nation gets better and Nigerians live a better life.
Re-capitalisation
She announced a N50m Business Re-capitalization grant for 1,000 petty traders in the State and the Governor promised to match this with additional 1,000 petty traders.
Transformation
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, said the nation is currently witnessing great transformation in the health sector that is gradually but consciously improving life expectancy and other outcomes in the sector.
He noted the giant strides taken by the First Lady of Nigeria in complimenting President Tinubu’s efforts at revitalising the health sector.
He commended the First Lady for her strong determination and dedication to improving the lives of the ordinary Nigerian especially through the visible activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI since inception in 2023.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, assured that the Nigerian Government is doing all it can to close the gap in accessibility and affordability of healthcare especially for pregnant women and mothers.
The Professional Kits were subsequently presented by the First Lady to the wives of Governors who double as RHI State coordinators for the States of the South-South Geo Political zone.
Earlier on arrival, the First Lady paid a visit to the Traditional Rulers’ Council Chambers of Delta State where all the Rulers were holding their monthly meeting chaired by the Orodje of Okpe, retired Major General Felix Mujak Peruo.
The traditional ruler thanked the First Lady and the President for all they have been doing for the nation and the people of the State in particular.
He assured of their unflinching support for President Bola Tinubu.
