Tag: First Lady

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed her dedication to championing the health and education of women and girls across Nigeria, pledging expanded support through her office and ongoing national initiatives.

She made this commitment at the 7th MERCK Foundation First Ladies Initiative (FLI) Summit held in Dubai, commemorating the Foundation’s 13th anniversary.

Speaking alongside First Ladies from 13 other nations, Senator Tinubu praised the MERCK Foundation’s commitment to training medical professionals across Africa and Asia, highlighting its impact on healthcare access and the advancement of girl-child education.

“I agree that this is a highly beneficial program for our country, and I am committed to expanding it further through my Office and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. By doing so, we will be able to empower more Nigerian doctors, ultimately enhancing public healthcare and improving the well-being of our people”, the First Lady stated.

Drawing on her background as a lifelong teacher and her leadership of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Tinubu emphasised that empowering girls through education is foundational to building stronger and healthier societies.

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady noted “through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which I chair, we have continually made interventions in education and youth empowerment, prioritising girl-child education”.

The First Lady also commended the MERCK Foundation for its extensive scholarship program that has supported over 2,270 medical practitioners across 52 countries in 44 critical healthcare specialties.

She praised the Foundation’s efforts, particularly its approach to equipping doctors to establish clinics and deliver care directly within their communities.

“Dr. Kelej has explained to me that upon completing these courses, the doctors will have the capability to establish clinics within their respective health centres or hospitals. They will be able to provide essential care, helping to prevent and manage these conditions within their own communities,” she said.

The summit served as a platform for African First Ladies to discuss ongoing challenges and progress in improving health systems, eliminating gender-based violence, and championing education for girls.

Representatives from Ghana, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kenya, Angola, Liberia, Maldives, Central African Republic, Cape Verde, the Gambia, Gabon, Angola, and São Tomé and Príncipe echoed similar commitments to expanding the role of women in both domestic and public life, despite cultural and financial constraints.

Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady salute fathers, say they are nation builders

Chairman of the MERCK Foundation, Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission of inclusivity and access, declaring that “girls’ education is not a luxury” and stressing the need to end systemic discrimination.

“We are building a critical arm of the MERCK Program to support girls in education,” he said.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the MERCK Foundation, reiterated the Foundation’s dedication to creating a robust medical workforce across the continent and ensuring more girls have access to quality education.

“We will continue to strengthen our initiatives in educating the girl child and supporting medical training that transforms communities,” she said.

In addition to its healthcare-focused efforts, the Foundation’s Educating Linda initiative has provided full scholarships to 956 girls across Africa.

Its Community Awareness Programs have also targeted stigma around infertility, domestic violence, and the growing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension.

The summit concluded with renewed commitments by attending First Ladies to deepen collaboration with the MERCK Foundation and intensify advocacy for women’s health and empowerment across their respective countries.

…Donates 400 bags of rice, 1200 pieces of ankara, others

…FG to replicate resettlement city across the country

First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has commissioned the resettlement city for Persons of Concern in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The resettlement city houses 40 Internally Displaced Persons and refugee households comprising 239 individuals from North East Nigeria, Cameroon, South Sudan and Central Africa.

The resettlement built by the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has been named after Sen. Oluremi Tinubu by the Federal Commissioner of the Commission, Tijani Ahmed.

Speaking on Saturday in Keffi, Nasarawa State, the First Lady charged the city’s occupants to be law-abiding, adding that President Bola Tinubu would love to see all Nigerians cared for and live in a dignified environment.

As part of measures to alleviate their suffering, Sen. Tinubu donated 400 bags of 25 kg rice, 1,200 pieces of ankara and 600 pieces of the national fabric to the IDPs and refugees.

Each household was also given N200,000 each, and each farmer was given N50,000 each.

Speaking on the significance of resettlement city, she said: “Today’s occasion represents progress in a national effort to restore hope, dignity, safety and patriotism to fellow Nigerians who have been displaced from their homes due to circumstances such as insurgency, banditry, communal clashes and natural disasters.

“I am pleased to witness the resettlement of 40 households comprising 239 individuals into a safe and dignified environment.

“This development reaffirms the commitment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu which aims to enhance social welfare programs for all Nigerians. Our work does not end here. Resettlement must go hand in hand with empowerment and skills acquisition”.

On steps taken to empower the occupants, the First Lady said: “I am glad to learn that 100 hectares of farmland has been secured for the families to cultivate for food and income.

“It is also encouraging to hear that the resettlement city is equipped with greenhouses, vocational training centres, a police station, a church, a mosque and a clinic. This will no doubt go a long way in helping the families to settle down and be independent”.

Sen. Tinubu, while commending the host community, Yar Kande, for their hospitality, said: “President Bola Tinubu would love to see all Nigerians being cared for, living in a dignified environment, going to school and being productive to the society as their hope is being renewed”.

She urged the families resettled to continue to be law-abiding, loyal to the state and live peaceably with their host community.

“When people house you, they don’t become your enemy. They become part of you, and you become an entity of this state, and you have to be loyal to the state that has given you room and shelter. You have to love your neighbours. You have to help them. You have to live in peace.

“You experienced displacement due to one reason or the other. You don’t want to add political issues into your space. You should live peacefully and make sure that you are kind to the state that has housed you.

“I also brought 400 bags of rice, 25 kg and 12 bales. 12 bales, which is 100 bales of ankara, which is 1,200 pieces, and six bales of the national fabric because we want you to be part of this community”.

Read Also: First Lady urges Nigerians in Diaspora to support nation-building efforts

She thanked the NCFRMI for renaming the resettlement centre in her honour.

The Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Tijani Ahmed symbolises renewed hope and a step forward in the commission’s national humanitarian agenda.

On the facilities, Ahmed said: “It comprises a solar-powered greenhouse to enhance food security and support agricultural livelihood. A fully equipped hospital to cater to health and physical needs. A modern school to provide access to inclusive basic education.

“A skilled acquisition centre where residents can learn market-relevant traits for economic empowerment. A place of worship for all, with both a mosque and a church that aims to foster spiritual well-being and communal harmony. Over 40 blocks of well-constructed flats that offer safe, decent, and dignified housing.

“These facilities will not only serve as a place for habitual living, but will turn into a community in which families can rebuild their lives, live, thrive, and contribute meaningfully towards our dear country at large.

“We have resettled 40 households, comprising 239 individuals, including refugees from Cameroon, South Sudan, and Central Africa”.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, assured persons of concern that their voices are heard and they are seen.

He said the federal government would ensure that the resettlement city is replicated across the county to give hope to children, women and the entire country.

The Minister commended the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule for providing the land and integrating the persons of concern.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign, an initiative of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development,(OAFLAD) and global partners to eradicate HIV/AID, Syphilis and Hepatitis by 2030.

Flagging-off the campaign at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Tuesday, the founder of the Renewed Hope Foundation, Senator Tinubu said the initiative was an imperative, since Nigeria bore the highest burdens of HIV infection in sub Saharan African due to her large population.

“We launched the campaign in January 2025 and have flagged it off in five political zones of North Central, North East, North West, South South and South West. Today, we have flagged off the campaign in southeast to complete the Free to Shine campaign.

“Our aim is to reduce HIV infection among women, prevent mother and child transmission and ensure that every child born with it gets the necessary treatment,” Tinubu said

She thanked Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, wife Nkechinyere and the people Enugu State for the warm reception accorded to her and her entourage. During her two-day working visit.

Throwing his weight behind the campaign, Governor Mbah, said his administration had taken health seriously because a healthy population is the foundation on which progress is built.

“Here in Enugu State, we have aligned our healthcare priorities with the vision of the ‘Free to Shine Campaign.’

“By September, we would have completed and fully equipped 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in all wards — each with accommodation for health workers to ensure round-the-clock care.

“We have also strengthened our secondary and tertiary healthcare systems and broadened access to health insurance and emergency services, especially for the most vulnerable.

“These efforts are already yielding results — with a significant reduction in maternal, under-five and infant mortality.

“But we know the work is not done. No health system can thrive in isolation or assume it no longer needs support. This is why we embrace the goals of the ‘Free to Shine Campaign’ — goals that seek to eliminate stigma, expand access to HIV treatment, and, most importantly, end mother-to-child transmission of HIV,” he stated.

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The First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs Mbah, commended Senator Tinubu and OAFLAD for providing leadership against the scourges of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

“I commend the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for demonstrating leadership and commitment to the health and well-being of Nigerians.

“As 2023 data from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) shows, Nigeria has one hundred and forty thousand (140,000) children aged 0 – 14 living with HIV, with twenty-two thousand (22,000) deaths each year. This is an enormous public health burden with vast social and economic implications. So, the ‘Free to Shine Campaign’ is indeed a creation of necessity,” Mrs. Mbah said.

She expressed total support for the initiative, noting that “collaboration is the driving force of change and development.”

“When we collaborate, problems that seem intractable are solved. So, I am confident that the goals of this campaign will be achieved in Enugu State, in Nigeria – and across Africa. What is required is whole-hearted dedication,” she concluded.

The event featured a general overview of the Free to Shine Campaign, by the Executive Secretary for OAFLAD, Dr. Nardos Berhanu, testimonials and experience sharing by persons living with HIV/AIDS, drama presentation by Members of the National Youth Service Corps, and goodwill messages by development partners, among others.

The first lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has called on all politicians to support the current administration under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to build the nation together irrespective of their political affiliation.

Mrs Tinubu made the call while addressing traditional rulers in Enugu State on Monday on the sideline of her visit for the distribution of Professional kits to Midwives in the state through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

She said the nation’s diversity and differences are a blessing that must be used positively to build a strong, safe and prosperous Nigeria.

The first lady described the traditional rulers as the eyes and ears of government at the grassroots and appealed to them to align with her vision to promote the health and wellbeing of their subjects.

She further urged the traditional rulers to support her advocacies against cervical cancer, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Female Genital Mutilation.

“As leaders we are responsible to take care of all Nigerians, political affiliation notwithstanding.

“Nigeria is a beautiful country and no one should hinder anyone from visiting any part of the country to experience this. We pray our security will improve and Nigeria should get to that place of safety,” Mrs Tinubu said.

She highlighted some of the upcoming programmes of the RHI to include Flow with Confidence aimed at ensuring that no adolescent girl misses school because of her monthly flow.

Also, the Environment Club/Society is aimed at getting students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions to participate more actively in restoring the environment.

While applauding the synergy that exists between the Federal government and the state, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers council, His Royal Highness Samuel Asadu said that unsafe cultural practices that hinder the growth of women have been eradicated in the state.

He commended the hard work and commitment of President Bola Tinubu and the dedication of Senator Oluremi Tinubu to make Nigeria better.

“For us here in Enugu, we the traditional rulers say, no vacancy in Aso Rock,” he said.

Read Also: First Lady distributes 10,000 professional kits to midwives, nurses in Southeast

At the venue of the presentation of professional kits to the midwives in the South East Geopolitical Zone, the First Lady expressed satisfaction at concluding the distribution of the scrubs and crocs to the 6 geopolitical zones with Enugu concluding the exercise.

In his remarks, the Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah described Mrs Tinubu as the Florence Nightingale of this time owing to her responsiveness to the various pressing health issues.

He also commended President Tinubu by saying “his goodwill and love is appreciated. He is an epitome of courage and dedication.

Mbah further advised the beneficiaries to utilize the kits well.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report the first lady to also used the opportunity to present a grant of N50m for onward distribution to 1000 women petty traders in the state under the RHI.(NAN)

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Monday launched the distribution of professional kits to 10,000 midwives and nurses across the five Southeast states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.

This initiative, according to her, is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) aimed at reducing infant and maternal mortality and morbidity across the country.

Speaking before distributing the kits at the International Conference Centre(ICC), Enugu, Senator Tinubu disclosed that the number brought to a total of 60,000 kits (scrubs and Crocs) that had been 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 Southeast zone. Since the initial launch in January 2025, we have distributed 50,000 professional kits in five zones, namely Northcentral, Northeast, Northwest, Southsouth, Southwest and today, we are in Enugu to distribute the remaining 10,000 kits for the Southeest, 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 10th, 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 if 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 commending Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and his wife, Nkechinyere for making the event a success, the First Lady lauded the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali and his brother, Dr. Salako for their partnership and for their efforts. 

“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, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, 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”, stating that Senator Tinubu’s presence in Enugu only reaffirmed such commitment and endearing work ethic.

Read Also: Pray for peace, progress, First Lady urges in Eid-el-Kabir message

“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 front lines 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. You haven’t simply voiced your ideals, Ma; you have also put them into action. This is a true reflection of transformative leadership,” Mrs. Mbah said.

…launches Nigeria’s partnership to eliminate the disease by 2030

…as governors endorse initiative, promise support

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday made a passionate appeal to development partners, private sector players, non-governmental organisations, and academic institutions to commit their resources, expertise, and innovation to the national campaign to eliminate cervical cancer.

Speaking at the official unveiling of the Partnership to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCiN) at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu declared that the time had come for collective action against a disease that remains both preventable and deadly.

“At this juncture, I call on all development partners, the private sector, NGOs, and academic institutions to commit their resources, expertise, and innovation to this campaign. We count on you all to ensure that this collaboration succeeds,” the First Lady said in a firm appeal to national and international stakeholders.

Describing the launch of PECCiN as the beginning of a “transformational journey in the health and dignity of Nigerian women and girls,” Mrs. Tinubu stressed that cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria, despite being one of the most preventable.

“Cervical cancer is a silent killer, and one that strikes hardest at the most vulnerable women. Yet, this is a preventable cancer”, she said.

She lauded the alignment of PECCiN with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on health, which seeks to prioritise the well-being of all Nigerians, especially women.

According to her, this initiative underscores the administration’s determination to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030.

“Nigeria has shown that it is possible,” she noted, referencing the country’s successful nationwide rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 2023.

“In just nine months, we protected over 12 million girls. That is a landmark achievement”, the First Lady said.

The First Lady acknowledged the pivotal roles played by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and global health partners, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, and UNICEF in achieving this milestone.

“But we cannot stop there. We must build on this momentum—expand HPV screening, scale up treatment through innovative, cost-effective technologies, and establish these services where they matter most: in our primary and secondary health care facilities”, she emphasised.

Mrs. Tinubu also urged state and local governments, healthcare professionals, and schools to become active champions of women’s health and immunisation.

She called on religious and traditional leaders to “advocate for truth and science,” noting their unique ability to shape public perception and influence community behaviour.

“Funding and a lot of resources are needed,” she added, revealing that the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), her pet project, has already committed ₦1 billion to support the national campaign.

“I call on our State Governors, business leaders, and development partners to join in supporting this laudable initiative. Together, we must invest in a future where no woman dies from a preventable disease”, she said.

Commending key actors driving the initiative, Mrs. Tinubu praised the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for their “commitment in driving health sector reforms.”

She also recognized the Chairman of the National Task Force for Cervical Cancer Elimination, Prof. Isaac Adewole, for his “instrumental effort in making this initiative possible.”

Addressing healthcare providers directly, the First Lady called them “the face of hope for millions of Nigerian women,” urging them to serve with “professionalism and compassion.”

“If we all join hands to make this Partnership work, in the next five years alone, we can prevent at least 60,000 deaths from cervical cancer in Nigeria,” she said.

The launch event marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s intensified fight against cervical cancer and signals a high-level political will to marshal resources and partnerships to protect women and girls nationwide.

“Let us rise to this occasion and write a new chapter,” the First Lady concluded, “one where every Nigerian girl and woman can live free from cervical cancer.”

Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) also endorsed the national initiative to combat cervical cancer, affirming the collective commitment of state governments to tackle this pressing health challenge.

Represented by Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, the governors expressed strong support for the partnership, which is championed by the First Lady of Nigeria and aims to reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer across the country.

Uzodinma highlighted the governors’ readiness to adopt necessary policies at the state level and ensure the allocation of domestic funding for cervical cancer prevention and treatment programs.

He stressed the importance of strengthening primary healthcare systems to deliver equitable services, especially to women in rural and underserved communities.

Read Also: Fed Govt, First Lady hail WHO, Danjuma Foundation for $2.26m to boost healthcare

Earlier, Adewole, Chairman of the NTF-CCE and former Minister of Health, highlighted the urgency of the initiative: “Approximately 60 million Nigerian women are at risk of developing cervical cancer, and sadly, about 22 women die daily from this preventable and treatable disease.”

He stressed that PECCIN will drive coordinated, sub-national government-led expansion of cervical cancer elimination activities and foster multisectoral collaboration across public and private sectors.

Vice chairman of the committee, Zainab Shinkafi-Bagadu, highlighted the significance of the launch of PECCiN, emphasising a renewed commitment to combating cervical cancer in the country.

She reflected on the progress Nigeria has made in recent years, noting that despite previous challenges, there has been a remarkable increase in investment in the health sector, including the establishment of six new health facilities over the past two years.

She proudly stated that approximately 13 million Nigerian girls have been vaccinated against HPV during this period, a milestone that aligns Nigeria with other leading African countries like Rwanda in the fight against cervical cancer.

The initiative brings together a broad coalition including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, World Health Organization (WHO), National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Nigeria Governors’ Forum, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Clinton Health Alliance Initiative (CHAI), Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), and the Gates Foundation.