Tag: Oluremi Tinubu

As the world marks World Autism Awareness Day 2025, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on all Nigerians to embrace neurodiversity, advocate for inclusion, and work together to create a society where every individual has the opportunity to excel.

World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2, seeks to promote understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals with ASD while advocating for policies that improve their quality of life.

In her message commemorating the global event, the First Lady emphasised the need for greater acceptance and support for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

She highlighted the importance of recognising the unique potential and skills of neurodiverse individuals, urging society to foster an inclusive environment where they can thrive.

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“This year’s theme, ‘Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),’ reminds us that being considerate of people living with autism is not just a moral responsibility but a vital pillar of sustainable development,” Senator Tinubu said.

She stressed that neurodiversity is a testament to human uniqueness, pointing out that while people process information differently, many individuals with autism continue to face discrimination in accessing quality education, healthcare, employment, and social acceptance.

“As we strive to achieve the SDGs, particularly SDG 4 and SDG 8, which focus on ensuring access to quality education and economic opportunities for all, it is imperative that we promote policies and initiatives that empower people living with autism,” she added.

The First Lady’s message underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive society where neurodiverse individuals are given equal opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Her call comes amid growing advocacy for better support systems, inclusive policies, and greater awareness about autism in Nigeria.

In a heartfelt message marking Mother’s Day, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended warm wishes to mothers across the nation, recognising their invaluable role in shaping society.

In her message, the First Lady described mothers as “the heart of families, the nurturers of children, and the pillars of society.”

She highlighted the sacrifices, dedication, and unwavering commitment of Nigerian mothers in raising the next generation despite the challenges they face.

“I honour every mother across Nigeria—those who care tirelessly for their families, who balance work and home, and those who, despite challenges, continue to give their best. You are the unsung heroes, and your impact resonates far beyond what words can describe”, she stated.

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Emphasising the significance of maternal influence, Senator Tinubu noted that the future of Nigeria and the world depends on the values, wisdom, and love imparted by mothers to their children.

She urged mothers to continue playing their crucial role in building a better society through nurturing responsible and well-rounded individuals.

The First Lady concluded her message with a prayerful wish, saying, “God bless our dear Mothers. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that the Bola Tinubu administration is committed to improving the country and alleviating the hardship faced by Nigerians.

Mrs Tinubu gave the assurance during an Iftar gathering in Abuja yesterday.  The event had Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of  Vice President Kashim Shettima; wives of some state governors, female National Assembly members and their spouses in attendance.

The  First Lady, in a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, urged Nigerians to embrace acts of kindness and lend a helping hand to those in need.

“If we take one person at a time and assist them, it will go a long way in reducing hardship,”  she said.

Mrs Tinubu also reflected on the unique coincidence of Ramadan and Lent this year, emphasising that it was divinely ordained.

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“It is a time of sober reflection for both our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters. God had ordained it to be so even at this time in our nation,” she noted.

She encouraged the Muslim faithful to carry forward the virtues practised during Ramadan and to continually pray for God’s mercy on the nation.

  Hajiya  Shettima expressed gratitude to Mrs Tinubu for hosting the Iftar and urged Nigerians to keep the President and the country in their prayers.

A keynote lecture on the spiritual significance of Ramadan was delivered by Prof. Fatima Mukhtar, vice-chancellor of Azman University, Kano.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has directed the establishment of a Primary Healthcare Centre(PHC) in Sauka, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for the containment of Tuberculosis (TB), a contagious bacterial infection affecting over 360,000 Nigerians, including children.

The project execution will be overseen by Dolapo Fasawe, mandate secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Services and Environment Secretariat, It will be supported by FCT Minister  Nyesom Wike.

The First Lady, who serves as the Global and National Stop TB Champion, gave the directive during the commemoration of 2025 World TB Day in Abuja yesterday.

Also yesterday, she launched the “Free to Shine” campaign, a major advocacy initiative targeting the elimination of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis by 2030 in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The Free to Shine which is led by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in collaboration with the African Union and global health partners, seeks to curb HIV/AIDS infections, prevent mother-to-child transmission and expand access to treatment.

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It also aims to eliminate Syphilis and Hepatitis by 2030. 

The Federal Ministry of Health last year said there were over 100,000 children and nearly two million adults living with HIV.

Mrs Tinubu, who is also a member of the Steering Committee of OAFLAD, explained that the theme of this year’s TB Day,  “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” was translated to “We Fit Run Am; A Collective Call for Action Against TB” to better connect with the communities.

She said: “To support the fight against this communicable disease, I will not only donate N1 billion, but I also approve the request for the establishment of a PHC  in Sauka community.

“This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for an efficient healthcare system. The Mandate Secretary, Dr. Fasawe will oversee the implementation of this project through the support of our dedicated FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike.” 

The First Lady said that the PHC would serve as a critical hub for TB detection, treatment, and general healthcare services.

She expressed concern that TB,  “despite being preventable and treatable,   remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, ranking the country among those with the highest TB burden globally.’’

• Distributes professional kits to midwives in Delta

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday, advocated for free treatment programmes for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome HIV/AIDS patients.

Speaking during a visit to Delta State Traditional Rulers Council in Asaba, she highlighted the impact of HIV/AIDS, especially among young people.

She encouraged traditional rulers to help spread awareness and advocate for health issues, including the elimination of female genital mutilation.

Mrs. Tinubu said: “Additionally, there is an education-focused campaign called ‘Flow with Confidence’, which provides free sanitary pads to girls in rural areas to prevent school absences during menstruation.

The First Lady said she had secured significant funding for tuberculosis treatment and emphasises her commitment to giving back to society through donations and advocacy.

She also officially launched the distribution of professional kits to midwives in the South-South geo-political zone.

The initiative, driven by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), aims to support frontline health workers with essential tools to enhance maternal and child healthcare.

The First Lady reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and workforce development.

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu noted that while skill and compassion are crucial in healthcare, adequate tools are equally necessary for effective service delivery.

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“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 said.

The First Lady further announced that all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria would receive 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of crocs each, with the South-South zone receiving its allocation at the Asaba event.

She commended midwives and healthcare workers for their unwavering commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality in the country.

As part of her visit, Senator Tinubu also announced a N50 million business recapitalization grant for 1,000 petty traders in Delta State, with the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, pledging to match the grant with another N50 million, bringing the total beneficiaries to 2,000.

“In the spirit of today’s event, the Renewed Hope Initiative will be presenting an additional grant of ₦50 million to the First Lady of Delta State and RHI State Coordinator to support another set of 1,000 women petty traders with N50,000 each to recapitalize their businesses,” she said.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Oborevwori said the First Lady was in Delta State to present 10,000 professional kits (Crocs and Scrubs) to midwives in the South-South region, as part of the health programme of her Renewed Hope Initiative.

Oborevwori said: “This laudable programme has been implemented in the North-Central and North-West geo-political zones of the country.

“Today is the turn of the South-South, and the First lady has chosen Delta State as the place to flag-off the programme for the Niger Delta region.

“Also, tomorrow, Her Excellency, will, in conjunction with the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, flag-off the Free-to-Shine initiative (South-South region), an enlightenment campaign to tackle the scourge of HIV/AIDS, and other public health challenges confronting women of reproductive age.

“Known for her compassionate and humble nature, Her Excellency thought it wise to meet with our esteemed traditional rulers as part of her engagements with critical stakeholders in the state.”