RHI: Nigerian First Lady says no woman should experience maternal, child mortality

*Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, commences the distribution of professional kits to midwives in the North-East geopolitical zone of the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has commenced the distribution of professional kits to midwives in the North-East geopolitical zone of the country.

The First Lady, while speaking at the flag off of the programme in Jalingo, Taraba State capital, affirmed the demands of the health profession go beyond mere skills and compassion.

Oluremi Tinubu also noted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has continued to move in the right direction to make healthcare delivery better in Nigeria.

She said that the right tools and infrastructure are also being provided.

Commending the efforts and contributions of the midwives and the entire health workforce, Senator Tinubu said their efforts had continued to be pivotal to attaining the reduction of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.

Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media noted Senator Oluremi Tinubu stated: “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.”

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to keep encouraging health workers for their tireless efforts, especially the leadership of the sector.

She said: “I commend the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, CON, 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 First Lady further noted: “The North-East 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.”

She averred: “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.”

The Nigerian First Lady as well reassured Nigerians that President Tinubu’s administration is committed to ensuring that the country gets better and Nigerians live a improved life.

She also announced a N50 million Business Recapitalisation grant for 1,000 for petty traders in the state.

The state governor promised to match this grant with 1,000 additional petty traders.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu said: “In the spirit of today’s event, the Renewed Hope Initiative will be presenting an additional grant of fifty million Naira (N50,000,000) to the First Lady of Delta State and RHI State Coordinator to support another set of 1,000 women petty traders with the sum of N50,000 each to retool their existing businesses.”

In his remarks, Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, said the Nigeria is currently witnessing great transformation in the health sector, that is gradually but consciously improving life expectancy and other outcomes in the sector.

Governor Kefas commended the First Lady Tinubu for her strong determination and dedication to improving the lives of the ordinary Nigerian, especially through activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative since 2023.

In his remarks on the occasion, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is doing all it can to close the gap in accessibility and affordability of healthcare, especially for pregnant women and mothers in the country.

He also assured nurses and midwives the administration of President Tinubu appreciates their efforts.

The Minister urged them to perform their duties excellently.

First Lady Tinubu and RHI National Chairman subsequently presented the Professional Kits to the wives of state governors for the North-East geopolitical zone.

Also at the event, the RHI Small Businesses Recapitalisation grant of N50 million for 1,000 women petty traders was presented to the wife of Taraba State Governor Mrs. Agayin Kefas.

The First Lady had also met with the Taraba State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, led by the Aku Zika of Wukari, where she appealed for their support in the renewed campaign against HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Syphillis and Tuberculosis.