The First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu has
presented a cheque of N50 million to empower 1,000 women petty traders with N50, 000 each to recapitalize their existing businesses in Delta.
The first lady made the donation during the official flag off of the distribution of 10,000 Professional Kits (scrubs and crocs) to midwives in the South South states in Asaba on Tuesday.
According to the first lady, no fewer than 1,000 women petty traders were empowered in August 2024 when the RHI programme was flagged off in Delta.
She said the RHI Health Programme was to complement the giant strides of the Federal Government in making healthcare available, accessible and affordable for Nigerians.
According to her, the benefiting states in the South South zone are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers.
“This event is to complement the ongoing Federal Government retraining exercise for 120,000 front line health workers nationwide.
“I am informed that 60,470 health workers have already completed their training.
“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.
“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 first lady disclosed that the North-Central zone has received its allocation on Jan 29 while she was on a three-day working visit to Kwara.
“The North-West zone received its allocation on Feb. 25 and today, we are in Asaba to distribute the kits to the South-South Zone.
“By the grace of God, the next zone to benefit will be the North-East, in Taraba State next month,” she said.
She, however, said that the donation of the kits were made possible through the generous support of an anonymous global partner dedicated to improving health outcomes for Nigerians.
“I refer to them as anonymous because they prefer to remain so. My first interaction with this partner was at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2023, followed by a meeting at the African Union (AU) Summit in 2024.
“The donour is committed to supporting the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and the health sector in Nigeria, with a specific focus on reducing infant and maternal mortality and morbidity,” she said.
She, disclosed that on Wednesday, she would be launching the “Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign” for HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis also in Delta
“This initiative aims to promote healthier mothers, reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV (vertical transmission), and provide treatment for children born with HIV.
” In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, since inception in 2023, the 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,” she said.
She lauded Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and all other stakeholders for their support for the RHI while appreciating the Midwives for their commitment to saving lives.
In his remarks, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta thanked Mrs Tinubu for choosing Delta for the flag off of the health project and for the continued support through the RHI programme.
He commended Mrs Tinubu for her interventions in the health sector, saying, “I am pleased that today’s programme is addressing a specific need in the health sector.
“Today, the job of the midwife has become even more demanding as the rapid population growth exerts more pressure on the healthcare system.
“Midwives are crucial to an effective and successful healthcare delivery system as they play a vital role in public health, particularly in maternal and child health.
“They administer treatments, promoting healthy living, assisting pregnant women, and delivering public health messages, all of which result in improved health outcomes for women and children.
“It is heartwarming that the First Lady has identified this critical segment of the healthcare system for support and encouragement.
“Indeed, this initiative is consistent with the First Lady’s character as a caring and compassionate mother, leader, and public servant.”
On his part, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said the ministry was determined to halt all deaths of mothers at child birth and reduce infant mortality by ensuring that skilled birth attendants attend to pregnant mothers to deliver safely.
In a welcome address, Delta Governor’s wife, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, thanked Mrs Tinubu, for her commitment towards the wellbeing of women and children in healthcare, agriculture and social investment.
She affirmed that Delta had benefited a lot from her RHI programme and assured her of the maximum support of Deltans in the realisation of set goals.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the official flag off and handing over of the Professional Kits to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for onward distribution to Midwives in the South-South zone by the President’s wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.
