By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Wife of the president, Senator Remi Tinubu, has launched the distribution of professional kits to 10,000 midwives and nurses across the five states of South-East geo-political zone of Nigeria.
The states are Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.
She explained that the initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the president Bola Tinubu Federal Government (FG) aimed at reducing infant and maternal mortality and morbidity across the country.
Speaking today in Enugu before distributing the kits, at the International Conference Centre(ICC), Enugu, Sen. Tinubu hinted that the number now totalled 60,000 kits (scrubs and crocs) so far distributed across the six geopolitical zones of the country, to provide midwives with the right tools and kits to encourage them in their work and improve healthcare delivery.
She said: “We are here today to flag off the distribution of the professional kits which will be distributed among the five states in the South-East zone.
“Since the initial launch in January 2025, we have distributed 50,000 professional kits in five zones, namely North-Central, North-East, North-West, South-South, South-West and today, we are in Enugu to distribute the remaining 10,000 kits for the South-East, making this the sixth and last zone.
“I thank God that today we’re concluding the distribution of these kits to every part of Nigeria. I’m very excited about that.”
The First Lady disclosed that the donation had been made possible through the generous support of an anonymous global partner dedicated to improving health outcomes for citizens.
“My first interaction with this partner was at the United Nations General Assembly in 2023, followed by a meeting at the African Union Summit in 2024.
“The donor is committed to supporting the organisation of African First Ladies for development and the healthcare sector in Nigeria with a specific focus on reducing infant and maternal morbidity and mortality,” she noted.
She disclosed that on Tuesday, June 10, she would launch the Free to Shine campaign and the Triple Elimination Initiative targeting HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age, in order to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers.
“Tomorrow (Tuesday), by the grace of God, I will be launching the Free to Shine triple elimination campaign for HIV AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis here in Enugu State.
“This initiative aims to promote healthier mothers, reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, which is also the vertical transmission and provide treatment for children born with HIV,” she said.
The First Lady also announced a donation of N100 million to be distributed among 1500 women petty traders in Enugu State by the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) will be providing an additional grant of N50 million to the wife of the governor of Enugu State to support 1000 women petty traders in Enugu State with the sum of N50,000 each to recapitalise their existing businesses.
“Also another N50 million courtesy of Tony Elumelu Foundation to another 500 petty traders,” she said.
While applauding the state Governor, Peter Mbah, and his wife for making the event a success, the First Lady lauded the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and a Dr. Salako for their partnership and efforts.
” Also, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina and the entire workforce for their dedication which 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,” she said.
Wife of Enugu State governor, Nkechinyere, in her remark, expressed great pleasure that the First Lady’s “inspiring political career has been dedicated to improving the well-being of the masses and ensuring that no one feels left behind.”
She stated that Senator Tinubu’s presence in Enugu only reaffirmed such commitment and endearing work ethic.
Her words: “We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your selfless commitment to building an inclusive society, especially in the healthcare sector, as exemplified through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“This initiative has significantly impacted countless lives across our nation’s diverse geopolitical zones. Your noble endeavour has brought succour and hope to communities that have long yearned for such intervention.
“Here in Enugu State, we are profoundly grateful for the transformative outcomes of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“Midwives are at the frontlines of maternal and child health. Empowering these important healthcare workers is crucial to the push to reduce maternal and under-5 mortality rates radically.
“The distribution of 10,000 professional kits—comprising scrubs and crocs—to our dedicated midwives across every zone is a significant boost to strengthening our healthcare system.
“This thoughtful gesture is a powerful affirmation of the value and dignity we place on our healthcare professionals.”
She added:” You haven’t simply voiced your ideals, Ma; you have also put them into action. This is a true reflection of transformative leadership.
“Your Excellency, Enugu State is delighted to benefit from this generous and impactful intervention, which will certainly foster healthier outcomes for our mothers and newborns.
“We are thrilled by the impact these professional kits will have on our healthcare system. Research indicates that integrating a robust midwife workforce can prevent up to 41% of maternal deaths, 39% of neonatal deaths, and 26% of stillbirths globally.
“This initiative is not just an investment in human capital; it’s an investment in the future of Enugu State and, indeed, the future of our great nation – Nigeria.
“It is noteworthy that Enugu State already has a comprehensive Strategic Health Development Plan focused on leadership, service delivery, human resources, health financing, and community engagement”.
