Tag: Remi Tinubu

…Diri lauds Tinubu for executing several developmental projects in Bayelsa 

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improving healthcare accessibility, especially for rural communities in the Niger Delta region, which has long been neglected.

Speaking on Thursday in Otuasega, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, during the launch of health insurance services aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, she highlighted the federal government’s focus on reducing health mortality rates and ensuring timely medical attention nationwide.

Senator Tinubu also inaugurated a cottage hospital and community school, built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative. 

She emphasized that these initiatives were part of a broader effort to address healthcare challenges in rural communities.

The health insurance scheme, she noted, is designed to provide thousands of families in these areas with access to affordable, reliable medical care. 

In addition, the NDDC’s 2025 free medical outreach and the donation of medical equipment to health facilities across the region were part of a strategy to improve healthcare delivery and support the most vulnerable populations.

She said that through those initiatives, the Tinubu administration aimed to foster healthier communities, significantly reduce health-related mortality, and promote overall well-being in neglected regions.

The First Lady stated: “I am honoured to be in Bayelsa State after my first visit, and it is a great delight for me to officially flag off the NDDC medical outreach programme, health insurance scheme and the distribution of school desks, benches and textbooks in collaboration with the Renewed Hope initiative. The beneficiaries of this programme are the nine states of the Niger Delta region, namely; Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Imo, Abia and Ondo states, with Bayelsa State graciously hosting us today.

Read Also: Peter Obi’s analysis of Tinubu’s economic policies, simplistic, lacks substance – IMPI

“The NDDC/RHI collaboration began in 2024 to provide further supports in critical areas of development by empowering communities and improving the quality of lives in the Niger Delta region in line with our Renewed Hope Initiative model towards a better life for families.

“You may recall that the NDDC earlier interventions in education provided over forty-five thousand (45,000) preloaded educational tablets and textbooks to upper primary schools, junior and senior secondary school students in both urban and rural communities in all the NDDC states. Also, the NDDC/RHI internship scheme has begun disbursing N50,000 monthly stipends to 500 pre-identified beneficiaries for a period of one year in all the nine states, through the office of the state first ladies; this is more like a conditional cash transfer.

“Today, the medical outreach programme which I was told is conducted quarterly is aimed to deliver a special health services directly to the communities. It will address common health issues, provide preventive care and raise awareness about health concerns that is proportionately affecting rural residents, particularly in the area of maternal and child health.

“In addition, the donation of 11 fully equipped ambulances along with the supply of personal protective equipment to enhance healthcare delivery and emergency response and health facilities in each NDDC states will be given one ambulance, while Bayelsa and Delta will be given two ambulances each.

“This contribution will significantly aid in saving lives and ensure that the various communities receive prompt medical attention when needed.”

She further said that the introduction of health insurance scheme that is specifically designed to cover rural communities in the Niger Delta would provide thousands of families with access to affordable and reliable medical care.

She stressed that the development was why the distribution of thirty two thousand (32,000) school desks and benches to public school would ensure that children learn in more comfortable and conducive environment.

“All these initiatives are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, particularly the priority areas of education, health and social investment which aim to build a healthiest, more educated and empowered populace,” she stated.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, said the essence of the partnership between Renewed Hope Initiative and NDDC, was to make sure the commission deliver the dividends of development in the areas of health, education and other social services that affect women, children and the youth in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku said for the past one month, the NDDC had been busy inaugurating road projects in the region initiated by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

On his part, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, appreciated the Federal Government for several developmental projects executed in the state.

He mentioned especially the linking of roads to some coastal communities in Bayelsa.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has supported 250 elderly persons in Enugu State with the sum of N50 million.

The support was given through her pet project, The Renewed Hope Initiative’s Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), which was held in Enugu, with each of the 250 elderly persons from across the state receiving N200,000.

The programme, themed: “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle,” aimed to promote the well-being and dignity of elderly citizens aged 65 and above.

In her remarks, the First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Enugu State governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, emphasised the importance of prioritising health, urging the elderly to “eat well, stay hydrated, do a little exercise, and spend quality time with loved ones.”

Read Also: Rivers First Lady celebrates Christmas with newborns, children 

She also encouraged them to “take care of their mental health, engage in activities that bring them joy, and stay connected with family and friends.”

Senator Tinubu further stated, “As we age, our needs change, but our desire for dignity, respect, and compassion remains constant. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our elderly citizens live their golden years with joy, comfort, and fulfilment.”

Mrs Mbah also announced that the government of Enugu State, under the leadership of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Governor, would support this programme in the state with an additional N50 million to underscore the value and significance of the elderly support programme under the Renewed Hope Initiative by providing extra assistance to expand the number of beneficiaries.

The wife of the governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, who also distributed bags of rice to the beneficiaries, expressed her appreciation to Senator Tinubu for initiating the RHIESS programme.

She also commended Senator Tinubu, RHIESS coordinators, and partners for their efforts in making the initiative a success.

The programme featured a comprehensive medical outreach, including free eye checks, vital checks and monitoring, free malaria testing, diagnosis of common ailments, and free medicines for treatment. 

The Center for Food Safety and Agricultural Research (CEFSAR) has hailed the “Every Home a Garden” initiative spearheaded by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The organisation said the initiative was an organic and safe strategy to boost farming culture across the federation.

It also rallied support for Cross River State’s Agricultural Business Initiatives.

In his keynote address at the World Food Day celebration held at the Cross River State Liaison Office, Lagos, Deputy Director of CEFSAR, Dr. Segun Adebayo emphasised the importance of families across the federation establishing home gardens and participating in the “Every Home a Garden” initiative.

Dr. Adebayo also praised the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for his “Project Grow” initiative, launched in July 2024.

He said the initiative aims to create agricultural jobs for over 100,000 youths in the state and boost agricultural output.

He further called on well-meaning Nigerians to connect with the Cross River State Investment Promotion Bureau to take advantage of the state’s highly lucrative agricultural investment opportunities.

Dr. Adebayo stressed the need to promote sustainable agroecological farming systems, steering away from the use of toxic agrochemicals and controversial genetically modified crops (GMOs).

He also encouraged the people of Cross River State to invest in promoting their healthy traditional foods, such as Afang and white soup, known for their medicinal properties and as part of the ancestral cuisine.

These traditional practices, he noted, have sustained Cross Riverians, allowing them to live beyond 100 years in rural communities where safe farming methods are practised without agrochemicals or GMOs.

Dr. Adebayo noted that food insecurity in Nigeria stems not from the often-blamed climate change but from issues such as low purchasing power, post-harvest losses, poor road infrastructure, inadequate transportation, insufficient storage facilities, reliance on food imports, insecurity on farms, kidnapping, and the undue influence of foreign interests seeking to monopolise Nigeria’s seed and food businesses.

He pointed out that while climate change is a new challenge for this generation, more pressing economic concerns need immediate attention.

Read Also: Oluremi Tinubu @ 64: You have shown strong commitment to social issues – CAN

The Special Adviser to the Governor at the Lagos Liaison Office, Esther Bephep, who hosted the event, reiterated the Governor’s commitment to ensuring that every Cross Riverian had access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food, leading to a healthier and better lifestyle.

She highlighted the Governor’s focus on sustainable agriculture, innovative farming practices, and community empowerment through the agricultural value chain.

Bephep also outlined three major projects under Governor Bassey Otu’s administration:  Project Grow, which aims to empower over 100,000 agribusinesses across all 18 local government areas of Cross River State; statewide irrigation initiative designed to transform Cross River into a leading seed-producing state and the Cross River Rice Farm Project focused on enhancing rice production in the state.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has recounted a moment from his time in the 8th Senate when he was rescued from media blackmail by the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu.

Adeleke disclosed this while speaking during the welcoming ceremony for the First Lady and other state governors’ wives on Tuesday, April 23, at the Government House in Oke-Fia, Osogbo, where the sod-turning event for The Alternative High School for Girls took place.

In his address, he praised the First Lady for her support of his administration and commended her initiative to establish the project in Osun State, particularly in Osogbo.

Read Also: Osun set to host First Lady Oluremi Tinubu

He said: “Osun state was selected after a raffle draw for this initiative, I did not sleep, I was on the phone today because of some challenges that want to make you not come. The red carpet and things we put in place, rain messed them up, but it does not matter, we don’t give up and I am happy that you are here today.

“I want to welcome you to Osun State. You are a detribalise First Lady, I remember that she was my senior colleague at the 8th assembly, there was a time the media caught me sleeping in the Senate, so they wanted to blackmail me. I told them how tedious our job is in making bills and having several sleepless nights over Nigeria.

“We don’t sleep till 4 am most times. They (the media) were not listening to me, I almost fell for their blackmail. So, I ran to Mama (First Lady) when she was going to Lagos, I told her that I wanted to ask her something, I said, I was sleeping and the media came to me that they saw me sleeping and it seemed they wanted to collect something from me.

“She told me “Ma da won lohun” (Don’t answer them), let them go and write whatever thing they want to write, tell them that you are a human being because they have done that to her before. I made use of what she told me. That helped me out from paying a lot of money. So anytime we have issues, we always go to her because of her wealth of experience.”

Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the Wife of President Bola Tinubu, has presented cash gifts of N100,000 each to 250 selected elderly persons in Rivers.

Tinubu, represented by the Wife of the Rivers Governor, Valarie Fubara, said the initiative was part of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda of enhancing the socio-economic growth of the nation.

“This was borne out of the commitment and the determination of the president agenda towards supporting the aged and the elderly, to enable them engage in productive ventures,” she said.

“We are fully committed and determined to improve the welfare of the aged and the elderly citizens,” she added.

She said the initiative would further promote inclusiveness and compassion among Nigerians, saying no one would be left out by the scheme.

She assured that the wellbeing of the aged and the elderly would be prioritised in recognition of their immense contributions to the nation.

“This scheme was to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens, aged 65 and above”

“This was also to cushion the effect of the economic situation as well as alleviate the economic hardship being experienced by our esteemed elders” She added.

“I urge you to embrace life to the fullest, prioritise your health, nurture your minds and strengthen your bonds with loved ones and with God” she said.

Tinubu also assured that the young, old and less privileged would also be supported through economic empowerment initiatives

”We would empower millions of families, while training would be provided for farmers on how to access fertilizers, seedlings and equipment to boost agricultural productivity”

Earlier, Fubara stated that the Renewed Hope Initiative of the president would be replicated in the state as it was dear in the heart of the governor.

Read Also: First Lady Remi Tinubu visits FCTA on Renewed Hope Agenda

She said that the state government would be committed to ensuring it succeeded in all ramifications.

Prof Ngozi Odu, the Deputy Governor of the State ,said the scheme was a cheering demonstration of concerns for the elderly in the country.

Odu stated that the beneficiaries had been empowered with financial grant and taught the importance of regular medical check ups to know their health status.

A 67 years old, Joseph Ede, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, lauded the initiative of the president and assured that they would make judicious use of the money.

He described the gesture as timely desirous, especially considering the current economic situation in the country, saying “we would ensure proper utilisation of the gifts”.

(NAN)

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has challenged security agencies to step up their game in the task of ridding the country of all forms of insecurity, including kidnapping.

“I implore our security agencies to intensify their efforts in addressing the pressing matter of kidnappings and other forms of insecurity in our nation,” Senator Tinubu said while reacting to the upsurge in abductions, especially in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).

Her challenge is contained in a statement she authored yesterday, in reaction to the kidnap of a National Population Commission(NPC)  senior official   Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, his six children and others from Bwari Local Government  Area a week ago.

 As of yesterday,  the kidnappers had killed some of their victims and raised their ransom demands from N60 million to N700 million.

 The  First Lady, in the statement, expressed sadness over the development and called for prayers for the victims.

Read Also: First Lady tasks security agencies to curb kidnapping, other forms of insecurity

 She wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the devastating loss of Nabeeha and extend my deepest condolences to her grieving family. 

 “In difficult moments like this, I urge the nation to join in fervent prayers for the safe return of these girls. Let us hold the families close to our hearts in prayers. 

 “I implore our security agencies to intensify their efforts in addressing the pressing matter of kidnappings and insecurity in our nation. The safety and swift return of the Al-Kadriyar sisters and others in captivity should be our paramount concern. 

 “To the parents, especially mothers, I appeal for intensified prayers for our children and for peace to prevail in our beloved country. 

May the Almighty God comfort the Al-Kadriyar family for their loss and may God bring the other children back home safely.

“God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The minister of state for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, has expressed satisfaction over the level of preparedness to receive the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).

The epic programme with the theme: “Better Days Ahead”, has been scheduled to be held tomorrow on Thursday, December 21, at the Cyprian Ekwensi Arts and Culture Centre, Abuja.

During the inspection of facilities put in place by the Woman Affairs Secretariat of the FCT Administration, the minister noted that though arrangements have reached an advanced stage, saying more efforts should be channelled to the health unit considering the age bracket of the beneficiaries.

While commending the First Lady, Mahmoud described the initiative as remarkable, stressing that the elderly in the six area councils would witness renewed hope.

According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant, Media, to the FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue: “We are to assess arrangements for the special occasion we are going to have tomorrow. A special visit by Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as part of the Renewed Hope initiative.

Read Also: 2024 will be a year of peace, says First Lady

“She is going to interact with the elderly, the senior citizens of our FCT, and she is going to come with a special package for those special groups.

“So that is why, as a team, as you can see here, all our Mandate Secretaries, the staff of SDS and Women Affairs, and others from FCT, are all here to look at the arrangements so that we make the best of it.

“We have a very complete package for the elderly. We are going to look at their vital signs. We are going to do all the necessary tests that we can do for them to assess their blood sugar, to assess their blood pressure, and also to assess their vision because these are some parts of what they need.

“So things are in shape. I am happy with what I have seen today. I’m going to come later in the day, at night, to be sure that the final arrangement has been done.”

Recall that the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) of the First Lady is expected to dole out the sum of one hundred thousand naira each to 250 elderly persons across the six area councils in the territory.