From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, at the flag-off of the distribution of professional kits to midwives provided by her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), announced an N50 million Business Recapitalisation Grant for 1,000 petty traders in Delta State, even as the Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, promised to match this with an additional 1,000 petty traders.
“In the spirit of today’s event, the Renewed Hope Initiative will be presenting an additional grant of N50 million 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 recapitalise their existing businesses. We had earlier empowered 1,000 women petty traders on August 22, 2024, during my last visit,” she said.
According to a statement issued by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady spoke at the flag-off for the South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria, held in Asaba, Delta State.
The First Lady, who promised to extend the distribution of kits to nurses generally as soon as possible, noted that the demands of the health profession go beyond mere skills and compassion, pointing out that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is moving in the right direction to improve healthcare delivery 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 in reducing maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.
“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.”
She appealed to Nigerians to keep encouraging health workers for their tireless efforts, especially the leadership of the sector.
“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 South-South Zone is receiving its allocation today.”
“Since its 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.”
The First Lady reassured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the nation improves and Nigerians live better lives.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori said the nation is currently witnessing a 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 complementing 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 ordinary Nigerians, especially through the visible activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) since its inception in 2023.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, assured 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.
The professional kits were subsequently presented to the wives of governors and RHI state coordinators for the South-South geopolitical states by the First Lady and RHI National Chairman, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Earlier, the First Lady, Mrs Tinubu, had 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, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo.
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 them of their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even for a re-election bid in 2027.