The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu�s administration to implementing robust health interventions that directly address the challenges of maternal and child mortality across the country.
Speaking during a high-profile event in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, Mrs. Tinubu launched the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives serving in the North East geopolitical zone, under the umbrella of her flagship humanitarian platform, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The initiative, which targets improving frontline healthcare delivery, especially in underserved and high-risk communities, seeks to provide vital tools and incentives to midwives�a critical workforce in Nigeria�s maternal and infant health system. These kits, tailored to support their work in both rural and urban health facilities, are expected to significantly enhance the quality of care provided to pregnant women and newborns.
�We are here today to recognise, support, and empower the selfless frontline health workers�particularly midwives�who serve as the backbone of our maternal healthcare system,� Mrs. Tinubu stated during her address. �By equipping them with professional kits and giving them the support they need, we are not just investing in them, but also in the lives of countless Nigerian mothers and children. When these professionals are well-resourced, maternal and infant mortality rates will drop significantly.�
She also emphasized the importance of complementing this intervention with public health awareness, especially around critical issues such as HIV/AIDS. In her words, �One of the pressing concerns we continue to address is the mother-to-child transmission of HIV, which remains a significant challenge in many communities. We are intensifying awareness campaigns to ensure that mothers have access to the information, testing, and treatment they need to prevent new infections and protect the next generation.�
In a move to further empower women economically and strengthen their capacity to support their families, Mrs. Tinubu also presented a cheque of N50 million to Mrs. Agyin Kefas, the wife of the Governor of Taraba State. The funds are designated for the empowerment of 1,000 women petty traders, enabling them to grow their small businesses, gain financial independence, and contribute meaningfully to their local economies.
According to the First Lady, the 10,000 midwifery kits will be distributed through the various State Primary Healthcare Boards across the six states in the North East zone�namely Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. Each state will receive a proportional allocation based on identified needs and deployment of maternal health services.
She further announced that the Renewed Hope Initiative would continue this important work beyond the North East. �This is just the beginning,� she said. �Our next stop will be the South West zone, and from there, we will move across all other regions of Nigeria. Every zone, every community, every mother and child deserves access to quality healthcare. This is the Renewed Hope we promised, and we are delivering on that promise.�
Mrs. Tinubu�s intervention in Taraba State aligns with her broader vision to complement government efforts through humanitarian outreach, strategic partnerships, and community empowerment. She stressed that health equity and gender inclusion remain central pillars of her mission as First Lady.
The event was attended by state dignitaries, healthcare professionals, community leaders, women groups, and beneficiaries of the various empowerment initiatives
