Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the distribution of professional kits to midwives in North-Central Nigeria as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The programme aims to support frontline health workers and improve maternal and child healthcare across the country.
Speaking at the event in Kwara State, Mrs Tinubu stressed the importance of equipping midwives with the necessary tools to enhance healthcare services. She noted that the profession requires not just skill and compassion but also access to proper equipment and infrastructure.
The initiative aligns with the Nigerian Government’s ongoing effort to retrain 120,000 frontline health workers across Nigeria.
“That is why RHI procured 60,000 kits as an incentive to encourage and support the tireless dedication of our midwives. All six geopolitical zones will be receiving 10,000 Crocs and 10,000 scrubs to be shared among the states in each zone.
“We will be visiting other zones as soon as possible for the allocation of these items. This donation has been made possible by the generous support of an anonymous donor partner committed to ensuring better health care,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu revealed that the donation was made possible through contributions from anonymous global partners who are dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.
“My first contact with them was at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2023, and later at the Africa Union (AU) Summit in 2024. The donors support the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and the health sector in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of infant and maternal mortality and morbidity,” the First Lady disclosed.
During the event, the First Lady handed over the kits to the wives of governors and RHI state coordinators for distribution in the North-Central region, which includes Kwara, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“All six geopolitical zones will be receiving 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 crocs to be shared among the states in each zone. We will be visiting other zones as soon as possible for the allocation of these items,” she said.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq commended the initiative, acknowledging the challenges faced by the healthcare sector and the importance of continued training for professionals.
“These dedicated men and women deserve our full support. This gesture by the first lady is a clear reflection of her commitment to our welfare and safety.
“The provision of these kits will not only ensure our health workers are well equipped to perform their duties but send a strong message of solidarity to those that are devoted to protecting the health of our mothers and children,” he said.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, assured that the government remains committed to expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly for pregnant women.
