By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
The wife of the President, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has flagged off the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives across the South-South geopolitical zone under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Health Programme.
The event, held on Tuesday in Asaba, Delta State, was part of Senator Tinubu’s two-day visit to the state. She was earlier received by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. As part of her itinerary, she also met with members of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu explained that the initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, aims to enhance maternal and neonatal care nationwide. According to her, it will also strengthen the capacity of frontline health workers undergoing retraining by the Federal Government.
She stressed that while skill and compassion are vital in healthcare delivery, the right tools and infrastructure are equally important. She acknowledged the support of an anonymous global donor who has been assisting Nigeria in maternal and infant health — a relationship she established during the 2023 UNGA and renewed at the 2024 AU Summit.
At the meeting with traditional rulers, Senator Tinubu thanked the royal fathers for their support. She said her visit focused on addressing health challenges, especially HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B. She appealed to the royal fathers to help amplify the message that treatment for these diseases is free of charge.
Senator Tinubu also announced plans to launch a new initiative, “Flow with Confidence”, aimed at distributing free sanitary pads to girls in rural communities to keep them in school during menstruation.
Governor Oborevwori, in his remarks, thanked the First Lady for selecting Delta State for the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative in the South-South region. He confirmed that the programme had previously been implemented in the North-Central and North-West zones.
Oborevwori added that the First Lady would also flag off the Free-to-Shine Initiative in partnership with the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development. The programme targets the elimination of HIV/AIDS and other public health challenges facing women of reproductive age.
“Our First Lady is known for her compassion and humility. Her decision to meet our traditional rulers shows her commitment to engaging critical stakeholders,” the Governor stated.
Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), commended Senator Tinubu for her visit. He also praised President Bola Tinubu for ongoing road construction projects in Delta, including the Benin-Asaba Expressway, Benin-Warri Expressway, and the access road to the Second Niger Bridge.
“We are proud of you as a virtuous woman who has stood by your husband to achieve his political success. Here in Delta, we respect our in-laws,” the monarch said.
He recalled that President Tinubu described Governor Oborevwori as a progressive leader. The Honourable Minister for Works, Senator David Umahi, also praised the Governor for turning the state into a construction hub.
The Orodje pledged the support of traditional rulers to the President and the First Lady’s initiatives, emphasizing their commitment to advocating for a healthier society. He expressed confidence that Governor Oborevwori deserves a second term to ensure the completion of ongoing projects.
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