The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the distribution of professional kits to midwives in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The initiative, facilitated by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), was launched in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu emphasized that the demands of the health profession go beyond skills and compassion, noting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking deliberate steps to improve healthcare delivery across the country. She highlighted the importance of providing the right tools and infrastructure to support the healthcare workforce.
Commending the efforts of midwives and health workers, the First Lady acknowledged their pivotal role in reducing maternal and child mortality. “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. That is why the Renewed Hope Initiative procured 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 pairs of Crocs as an incentive to encourage and support the tireless dedication of our midwives,” she said.
Senator Tinubu also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON; the Executive Director/CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina; and their teams for their commitment to improving healthcare delivery. She noted that each of the six geopolitical zones will receive 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of Crocs.
The First Lady further announced a N50 million business recapitalization grant for 1,000 petty traders in Taraba State, with the state government pledging to match it by supporting an additional 1,000 petty traders. “In the spirit of today’s event, the Renewed Hope Initiative will also present an additional N50 million 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,” she added.
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, commended the First Lady for her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Initiative. He noted that the health sector is undergoing a positive transformation, gradually improving life expectancy and outcomes.
In his remarks, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate assured that the Federal Government is working to close gaps in healthcare accessibility and affordability, particularly for pregnant women and mothers. He urged nurses and midwives to continue to perform their duties diligently, assuring them of the administration’s appreciation.
At the event, the professional kits were presented to the wives of governors from the North East geopolitical states. Additionally, the RHI small business recapitalization grant of N50 million for 1,000 women petty traders was formally presented to the wife of the Taraba State Governor, Mrs. Agbani Kefas.
Earlier, the First Lady met with the Taraba State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, led by the Aku Uka of Wukari, where she sought their support in the renewed campaign against HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Syphilis, and Tuberculosis.
