Tag: Oluremi Tinubu

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed her commitment to the welfare of elderly Nigerians through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). 

Speaking during the second edition of the RHI Elderly Support Scheme (RHEISS), held across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and for military veterans, the First Lady announced a significant increase in the support grant to ₦200,000 per beneficiary.

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said: “The Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has decided to increase the grant from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 this year to provide further support to our elderly citizens during this festive season”.

She revealed that a total of ₦1.9 billion will be distributed, benefiting 9,500 elderly citizens nationwide.

The initiative, themed “total Wellness – Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle,” aims to support elderly Nigerians aged 65 and above. 

Each state, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) received ₦50 million, with 250 elderly beneficiaries in each location receiving ₦200,000.

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“This programme is designed to reassure the elderly that they are loved and not forgotten, especially during the festive season,” the First Lady emphasized. 

She further urged beneficiaries to prioritize their health and spend quality time with their loved ones, noting that the event also included free medical check-ups and the distribution of essential items.

The First Lady reiterated the administration’s commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians, stating, “this event is holding simultaneously in all the states of the federation. It is our way of supporting the welfare of our elderly citizens annually.”

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, applauded the First Lady’s initiative and called on Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. 

“The President met a lot of rot on the ground when he assumed office, but things are already getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Matawalle said.

Dr. Matawalle also announced additional support from the Ministry of Defence, pledging to provide ₦200,000 each to 250 veterans in recognition of their service to the nation.

The event featured health screenings and the distribution of food items, further underscoring the government’s commitment to a holistic approach to elderly care. 

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a timely and impactful gesture during the festive season.

•Inaugurates alternative girl school in Osogbo

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has said education is a right for all children to attain their full potential.

She noted that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is using education to empower women and girl-child.

The First Lady made this known while commissioning Alternative School for the girl-child in Osogbo capital of Osun State on Friday posited that the facility is one of six schools across Nigeria.

She said the Renewed Hope Initiative would continue to initiate programmes that empower girls, women, and youth across the country, toward a better life for families.

She said: “This is one of the six (6) additional Alternative High Schools for girls that will be built across the country by UBEC, precisely in Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers States. Already, we have about forty-four (44) other Alternative High Schools mainly across the Northern parts of Nigeria.”

“Education empowers individuals to reach their full potential. It is not merely a privilege, but a fundamental human right, regardless of gender or circumstance. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4.”

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“The Alternative High School for Girls, Osogbo has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a crèche to ensure young mothers can attend classes without worrying about their babies; a skills acquisition centre to provide vocational training and economic empowerment and modern classrooms to create a conducive learning environment for academic excellence.”

In her speech, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suweba Ahmed, said the school is dedicated to empowering girls and women to live a meaningful life.

Earlier, the wife of Osun State Governor, Mrs. Titilola Adeleke commended the First Lady for her dedication to ensuring a safer life for the girl child through the project.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi commended the First Lady for her undying support to the girl-child through pioneering the Alternative High School for Girls which is called the Second Chance School for the girl-child and women.

…inaugurate Alternative girl school in Osogbo 

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasised that education is a fundamental right for all children to enable them to reach their full potential.

Speaking during the commissioning of an Alternative School for the girl-child in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Friday, Tinubu highlighted the Bola Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to using education as a tool to empower women and girls.

She noted that the facility, one of six similar schools being established across the country, reflects the government’s dedication to improving access to education.

The First Lady also reiterated that the Renewed Hope Initiative will continue to champion programmes aimed at empowering girls, women, and youth across Nigeria, fostering better lives for families nationwide.

She said: “This is one of the Six (6) additional Alternative High School for girls that will be built across the country by UBEC, precisely in Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers States. Already, we have about forty-four (44) other Alternative High Schools mainly across the Northern parts of Nigeria.”

“Education empowers individuals to reach their full potential. It is not merely a privilege, but a fundamental human right, regardless of gender or circumstance. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4.

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“The Alternative High School for Girls, Osogbo has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including: a crèche to ensure young mothers can attend classes without worrying about their babies; a skills acquisition centre to provide vocational training and economic empowerment and modern classrooms to create a conducive learning environment for academic excellence.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr Suweba Ahmed, in her address at the event, said the school is dedicated to empowering girl and women towards living a meaningful life. 

Earlier, wife of Osun state governor, Mrs Titilola Adeleke commended the first lady for her dedication to ensuring a safer life for the girl child through project.

Also speaking, Universal Basic Educatiom Commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr Hamid Bobboyi commended the first lady for her undying support to the girl-child through pioneering the Alternative High school for Girls which is called the second chance school for the girl-child and women.

…as Global Partnership lauds Nigeria for successes recorded against TB

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called for urgent and determined global action to eradicate tuberculosis (TB), describing it as the world’s deadliest infectious disease. 

Speaking at the 38th Board Meeting of the Stop TB Partnership Global, held Thursday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, she emphasized the need for immediate and sustained efforts to ensure TB becomes a disease of the past.

The First Lady urged delegates and stakeholders representing 62 countries to recommit to collective action, stressing that the fight against TB is a shared responsibility across borders.

While acknowledging the progress made in expanding diagnostic services and improving treatment access, she highlighted persistent challenges such as inadequate funding, limited awareness, and gaps in integrated service delivery systems.

Citing the human cost of the disease, Mrs. Tinubu noted that TB statistics represent real lives and struggles, underscoring the necessity of a people-centered approach. 

She called for solidarity within nations and across the global community, recognizing the Stop TB Partnership as a critical ally in the effort to combat the disease.

Her remarks also celebrated the visible impact of collaborative efforts, including events such as World TB Day and the United Nations General Assembly, which have galvanized action and raised awareness. 

However, she stressed that much work remains to be done to ensure no individual is left behind in the fight against TB.

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“It was encouraging to witness the progress that has been made. From expanding diagnostic services to improving treatment access. However, it was evident that there is still much work to be done. 

“Challenges remain, particularly in funding, awareness and integrated service delivery. There is need to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in this fight. 

“Therefore, at this crucial Board meeting, I urge us to re-commit ourselves to collective action, for TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease. And as citizens of the world, of Africa and of Nigeria, we have the power, the responsibility, and the duty to act now. 

“As we move forward, let us acknowledge that the data on Tuberculosis are not just numbers; they represent real people, their struggles, and the profound impact of this disease. 

“While the statistics are disturbing, it should also propel our hope, commitment and determination to eradicate this global health crisis. 

“The Stop TB Partnership has been a critical ally in the effort to end this scourge. Your leadership and commitment inspire global collaboration and action. 

“I have seen first-hand the impact of your work during events like World TB Day and the United Nations General Assembly. This partnership reminds us that ending TB requires solidarity, both within nations and across borders.  

“As we gather for this important meeting, let us remember that we have the knowledge, the tools, and most importantly, the will to make TB a disease of the past. Therefore, our goals are attainable. Let us move forward with urgency and determination”, she said. 

Meanwhile, Nigeria has been praised for achieving an 80% detection and treatment rate for tuberculosis, but health leaders at the 38th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting in Abuja warned that more resources and commitment are needed to eradicate the disease.

The Executive Director of the Global Stop TB Partnership, Dr. Lucica Ditiu, hailed Nigeria’s progress, calling it an example for other nations. 

She credited leadership, particularly that of First Lady Tinubu, for driving health initiatives but warned, “the battle is not over.” 

She urged Nigeria to mobilize more resources to address drug-resistant TB, stigma, and funding gaps.

Health Minister Ali Pate echoed the sentiment, stating, “Leadership is not a noun, it’s a verb.” 

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, noting that her ₦1 billion donation a year ago strengthened outreach programs and surveillance systems. 

However, he emphasized the need for a united front to increase domestic funding and accountability.

Countries such as Malawi, Indonesia, and Tajikistan shared their experiences, underscoring the importance of leadership in combating TB.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday reaffirmed the commitment of the current administration to eradicate tuberculosis (TB).

The First Lady, who spoke at the National TB Conference in Abuja, described TB as a leading cause of death in Nigeria.

She said there was a need to address the gaps hindering the progress towards the 2030 elimination targets. 

This comes as the nation’s global development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the Stop TB Partnership Global, among others, acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in combating the disease.

They emphasised the need to address persistent gaps hindering the country’s efforts to meet the 2030 tuberculosis elimination targets.

Mrs. Tinubu cited the 2024 World Tuberculosis Report by the World Health Organization (WHO), which showed that in 2023, 10.8 million people globally developed TB, with 1.6 million lives lost. Children and young adolescents accounted for 12 per cent of the global burden. 

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“Nigeria ranks as the sixth highest burden country globally and the first in Africa, with approximately 467,000 cases recorded in 2023,” she said.

Despite these figures, Mrs. Tinubu acknowledged the progress the nation had made through collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, and international partners. 

The First Lady, as the Global and National Stop TB Champion, highlighted her personal contributions, including funding TB diagnostic tools earlier in the year.

She said the efforts enhanced case detection and bolstered Nigeria’s fight against the disease.

Mrs. Tinubu stressed the importance of sustained investment and innovation, saying: “We cannot afford to be complacent. The Federal Government remains fully committed to achieving the global TB targets by 2035.” 

Prof. Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, acknowledged the First Lady’s leadership, describing her efforts as a unifying force in the fight against TB. 

Emphasizing the disproportionate impact of TB on vulnerable populations, especially women and children, the Minister highlighted the Private Sector TB Initiative, launched in July 2024, which assured of mobilizing $25 million from sectors such as banking and telecommunications to bolster TB control.  

The WHO praised Nigeria’s progress, noting that TB detection rose from 73% in 2023 to a projected 80% in 2024 with approximately 500,000 people, including 50,000 children affected by TB annually in Nigeria. 

The efforts by the government, private sector, and communities to find and cure them are commendable,” said WHO Country Representative, Walter Mulombo.  

Mulombo also emphasized Nigeria’s innovative TB matching fund established in 2024, calling it a significant step toward ensuring equitable TB care. 

However, he urged bold action to meet the 2030 targets, highlighting the need for sustained investments in diagnostics, treatment, and addressing social determinants of health like poverty and housing.  

Cheri Vincent, Chief of the TB Division at USAID, lauded Nigeria’s achievements, noting that TB detection had significantly improved. 

“Each year, 500,000 Nigerians contract TB, including 50,000 children. Your progress is inspiring,” Vincent said, adding, “If Nigeria can end TB, so can the world.”  

Philippines Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa commended Nigeria’s success in maintaining TB progress even during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for collective efforts and financial commitments. 

He described Nigeria as a model for other nations.  

Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), praised Nigeria’s innovative strategies under President Tinubu’s administration. 

He urged increased domestic funding and invited the First Lady to advocate TB funding at the African Union summit.  

Lucica Ditiú, Executive Director of Stop TB Partnership, highlighted Nigeria’s leap in TB detection from 36% to 80% within two years, calling it a remarkable achievement. 

She urged continued global support and financing, emphasizing Nigeria’s potential to lead Africa’s TB eradication efforts.  

In her remarks, the Acting Board Chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, emphasized the need for collaboration and gender-responsive TB initiatives. 

Citing the WHO 2024 report, she noted that Nigeria recorded over 160,000 TB cases in the past year, a 20% increase from 2022, achieving 70% of its cumulative target. Despite a 24% decline in TB incidence between 2015 and 2023, Nigeria remains one of 30 high-burden countries.  

She praised partners like USAID, WHO, and the Global Fund for supporting integrated service delivery to ensure equitable TB care for vulnerable populations.  

The First Lady commissioned new TB-LAMPS procured with funds donated by the Renewed Hope Initiative, marking a significant step forward in enhancing Nigeria’s TB response.

TB-LAMP, according to the National Institute of Health, is a manual molecular test to detect Mycobacterium Tuberculosis complex (MTBC) that takes less than 1.5 hours to perform, requires minimal instrument in the form of a heating block, and generates a fluorescent result that can be detected with the naked eye.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has said Nigeria will require sustained investment, innovative strategies, and a renewed focus on breaking barriers to care and support to achieve the global tuberculosis (TB) targets by 2035.

A statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, First Lady Tinubu stated this on Tuesday during her keynote address at the 2024 National TB Conference in Abuja.

The First Lady highlighted the progress Nigeria has made in its fight against TB but cautioned against complacency. 

She emphasized the importance of building on existing successes and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating the disease in alignment with global targets.

Acknowledging the critical role of frontline workers, community leaders, activists, and TB survivors, Tinubu described them as the “true heroes” in the fight against TB. 

She praised their dedication and tireless efforts in tackling the disease at the grassroots level and ensuring that those affected receive necessary care and support.

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She called for innovative approaches to address challenges such as stigma, limited healthcare access, and insufficient funding, which continue to hinder progress in eradicating the disease.

“However, as we celebrate our successes, we must also acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. We cannot afford to be complacent, and I assure you that the Federal Government remains fully committed to achieving the global TB targets by 2035.

“To achieve this, we will require sustained investment, innovative strategies, and a renewed focus on breaking the barriers that prevent people from accessing the care and support that they desperately need. 

“To the health workers, community leaders, activists and TB survivors who are tirelessly working on the frontlines, you are the true heroes of this fight, and we are grateful for your dedication”, she said. 

The First Lady however decried the global burden of TB, which remains highly alarming, particularly in low and middle income countries.

Tuberculosis is still a leading cause of death in Nigeria. The country ranks as the sixth highest burden country across the world and first in Africa. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 also reveals that Nigeria recorded approximately 467,000 TB cases in 2023.

“Despite these challenges, I am encouraged by the progress that has been made so far. Thanks to the commitment of the Tinubu administration, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and international partners. 

“Subsequently, we have seen a steady increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB”, she said. 

In his remarks, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammed Pate, urged the private sector to join efforts with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and government as a whole especially as they are resolute to end TB in Nigeria before 2030.

On his part, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. Dr Iziak Salako, pointed out that TB is not just a health issue but a development challenge which government is addressing with all the seriousness it deserves.

Partners, including the Executive Director, Stop TB Partnership Global, Geneva, Dr Lucica Ditiu and Director General, Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Jean Gibisi Kaseya, commended Nigeria for the successes recorded in ramping up identification, reporting and treating TB especially within the last 5 years.

“We are pleased to support Nigeria and the progress already made in addressing the disease is amazing. 

“Nigeria needs to teach the rest of us how she was able to achieve this in just 5 years. I am making a passionate appeal to the First Lady to please address the gathering of African Head of States in February in Addis so they can also support this cause as passionately as she has”, the said. 

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who was made the Global and National Stop TB Champion on 28th of March, 2024 also commissioned the TB – LAMPS for the testing for the disease.

…receives honorary doctorate degree alongside Uzodimma, Zulum 

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Saturday announced a N50 million endowment fund to support the overall best graduating female student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

Mrs. Tinubu, who was one of three honorees at the university’s 36th convocation ceremony, received an honorary degree and emphasized her commitment to education through the fund.

Other recipients of honorary degrees included Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, awarded a Doctor of Management (D. Mgt.) honoris causa, and Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, who received a Doctor of Technology (D. Tech.).

Mrs Tinubu who awarded Doctor of Management(D.Mgt), called on all Nigerians to have love for their country and patroticism  in their dealings and interactions especially in the environmental preservation as it is done in other climes.

She said: “Since my assumption of my role as First Lady of this great nation,  I have had the privilege  to travel  to some African and Western countries and what I discovered is the love for their countries and patroticism  in their dealings and interactions especially in their environmental preservation. 

You are what eat but I would want to say that Nigerians are really  what they invest in Nigeria. I want to charge this generation to owe Nigeria in such a way that it would become a worthy inheritance for themselves and future generation.

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We can not deny the effect of global warming  evethough we have been quite  lucky in Nigeria. I am playing my part as much as I can and I urge you also to join the journey of taking Nigeria to it eldorado.

To this end, she said, ” I plan to launch the Green Environmement Club to drive environmental awareness particularly for proper disposal of plastic wastes across the country. I want young people to Green Ambassadors and I  look forward to working with some of you in the nearest future.”

She therefore announced a donation of N50 million endowment fund for the overall best graduating  female student of the Federal University of Technology Owerri. 

Today, for the love and support I have for education, I have donated a sum of N50 million endowment fund for the overall best graduating female student of the Federal University of Technology Owerri.

She thanked the university for the recognition which she said would continue to inspire them in the service to the nation  and humanity.

Earlier, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said his administration took far reaching decisions to reposition Federal universities  to make them comfortable to deliver the main mandate of developing skilled manpower and conducting research that are relevant fornsolvingbnationalnchallenges as well as making them globally impactful.

“We quickly aligned with global standards, taking into cognizance  the peculiarity of tertiary institutions  by removing  universities  from the Intergrated Payment and Payrol Information System(IPPIS).”

President Tinubu who was represented by the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof (Mrs.) Florence Obi said that to ameliorate the hardship faced by University staff as a result of the implementation of no work no pay policy of government of the eight months strike embarked by the university staff unions in 2022, the administration granted waiver for the pay.ent of four and two months salaries for teaching and non teaching staff.

He also disclosed that his administration has made available a total of N33billion to kick start the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund(NELFUND) to granting students fees  and personal upkeep loans which he said commenced this year with six pilot universities from the six geopolitical zones.

In her address, the FUTO  Vice Chancellor, Prof Nnenna Oti said a total of 5,188 graduates were awarded  first degrees in various disciplines while 632 were awarded  postgraduate degrees.

She thanked the federal government for granting NELFUND students loan scheme 1,944 undergraduates of the University who she have qualified now to receive the grant.

The Vice Chancellor appealed to the government to look into the plight of the University which the relocation exercise fron her temporary campus at Lake Nwaebere to the current permanent  site and release the N3billion relocation grant which the federal government promised the institution in 1993.

While thanking the federal government for sustained assistance and interventions  towards the development of the University  especially through TETFund and budgetary allocations, she said the institution requires more assistance in areas of staff quarters, morevstudents hostels, perimeter fencing of the University land, construction of physical infrastructure for the new teaching hospital, college of medicine and health sciences, furnishing  of laboratories and engineering  workshops, rehabilitation  of internal roads and major road/broken bridge linking host communities.

Guests present at the event include the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and his wife, Imo first lady, Chioma Uzodimma,  National Assembly members, first ladies of Gombe, Niger, Bornu, Adamawa, Nasawawa states, former Ijedi Ohakim among others.