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Tag: Seyi Tinubu

  • Continue your father’s legacy in Lagos Middle Belt group tells Seyi Tinubu

    Continue your father’s legacy in Lagos Middle Belt group tells Seyi Tinubu

    The Lagos branch of the Middle Belt youths has endorsed Seyi Tinubu, urging him to take over as Governor of Lagos State in 2027 to continue building on the President Bola Tinubu structure and legacy. 

    The Lagos branch of the group anchored their endorsement on the detribalised nature of Seyi Tinubu whom they believe, like his father, is capable of lifting Lagos to a new height. 

    Addressing a briefing on Thursday  in Lagos Eko Hotel, Dr Stanley Augustine Kavwam 

    Deputy National Publicity Secretary Middle-Belt Forum, Capt Brent Kane, National Youth Leader 

    Middle-Belt Forum, stated that Tinubu has empowered all tribes within and outside Lagos like his father and deserves to be given the opportunity to lead the people of Lagos who are mainly people of different tribes and religions.

    According to the group, only a detribalised and accommodating individual like Seyi Tinubu can successful manage Lagos State amid people of different tribes. 

    The group said:“ Who else will the people in Lagos support if Seyi Tinubu accepts to run for the highest office in Lagos State? Seyi knows no tribe, no religion and no gender. He believes in all people irrespective of their tribe and religion. Those of us from the middle belt are mostly at a disadvantage in mix-tribal state such as Lagos. With Seyi Tinubu in the saddle, there is no doubt that our interest will be protected.”

    Speaking on the unique personality of Tinubu, the group said: “There are many sons and daughters of presidents across the country whom we have carefully assessed. Many of them have been scored very low in terms of inter-personal relations. Most of them don’t come close to people but Seyi is exceptionally different. 

    “His limitless link to other tribes makes it possible for us to adjudge him as one of the most detribalized young persons in Nigeria currently.  He will surely address the tribal sentiments and grudges many of us bear in Lagos. To crown it, he has firm

    roots to the south east as he is married to a South Easterner. This is a plus.

    “In the wake of the massive flood in Borno, Seyi was quick in his response. We saw how he mobilized his friends and colleagues to the flood-ravaged state and donated massively. How many president’s sons or daughters have been actively involved in such a rescue mission? He is exceptionally good.

    “His office is for all tribes and religion. There is no tribe or religion from what we have gathered that is not found working with him. 

    “We wish to state that the Lagos chapter of the middle-Belt youths received the nod of the national body in Abuja to go ahead with this endorsement having evaluated the effort of Mr Seyi Tinubu towards national integration and youths activism. 

    “We are aware of his roles towards empowerment of youths of all tribes in the past one year and this is what modern leadership entails.

    “Consequently, we call on Mr Seyi Tinubu to get ready to put on the leadership toga come 2027. It is now or never!”

  • NANS applauds Seyi Tinubu, NOELLA Foundation for empowering students, others

    NANS applauds Seyi Tinubu, NOELLA Foundation for empowering students, others

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has hailed Seyi Tinubu for his commitment to youth empowerment, healthcare improvement, educational advancement and hunger eradication across Nigeria. 

     A statement by NANS Senate President Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, explained Tinubu through his foundation NOELLA Foundation  has equipped  students and youths with  skills, mentorship, and networks they need to build meaningful careers and become self-reliant contributors to society.

    It said with the “Life After School” summit and a wide range of empowerment programmes, the Foundation has demonstrated itself as a champion for vulnerable communities and a beacon of hope for sustainable development.

    NANS hailed the foundation for creating a pathway for youths to secure a promising future by reducing barriers to employability and fostering economic empowerment for future generations.

    The student association said: “The  Foundation’s initiatives cut across multiple essential areas, including youth empowerment, support for widows, health programs, education for underprivileged children, and combating food insecurity. Their multifaceted approach is a testament to the organization’s commitment to addressing pressing societal issues from the grassroots level.

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    “More importantly, education remains a critical component of NOELLA Foundation’s mission, and its goal over the next decade is to prioritize primary and secondary education access for children from low-income families and impoverished communities. By providing after-school support and developing various educational initiatives, NOELLA Foundation ensures that young and vulnerable children are granted opportunities to learn and grow. We however stand with the Foundation in its vision to ensure every Nigerian child has access to quality education, recognizing that an educated society is the foundation of national development.

    “The Foundation’s commitment to healthcare goes beyond traditional charity work, focusing on specific issues that impact the most vulnerable, including maternal health, teen pregnancies, and the management of sickle cell disease. Recognizing the immense challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, NOELLA Foundation aims to support over 10,000 pregnant women by 2025, a bold target that speaks to its dedication to reducing maternal and child mortality and improving overall healthcare outcomes. We are encouraged by NOELLA’s proactive stance in addressing these critical health issues and applauds its impact on community health and wellness.

    “In response to Nigeria’s alarming rates of food insecurity, NOELLA Foundation’s hunger eradication initiatives focus on providing nutritious meals to children and families in need. Partnering with communities, schools, and other organizations, the Foundation is making strides to ensure that individuals from underserved communities are not left to suffer from hunger. This initiative aligns with the global fight against hunger and addresses one of the most fundamental challenges facing Nigeria today.

    As we advance, NANS is committed to working alongside NOELLA to enhance education, healthcare, employability, and food security for all Nigerians, contributing to a more equitable and prosperous future.”

  • ‘We should celebrate birthdays with philanthropic activities’

    ‘We should celebrate birthdays with philanthropic activities’

    Friends and associates of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, who turned 39 last Sunday decided to commemorate the day not by rolling out their drums and cymbals in joyous ecstasy, but by simply performing some philanthropic gestures.

    The associates led by Hon. Adebanjo Moyosore, the Convener of the Seyi Tinubu Support Initiative (STSI), along with political and thought leaders within the Ikeja constituency and its environs, including Comrade Korede Alade, Hon. Seun Abiodun, aides to the Lagos State governor- Opeyemi Eniola, Ambassador Lekan Biliamin Obe, Ambassador Tijani Saheed, and others, made the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), their first port of call, where they made donations to the management as a token to help some patients who had accessed medical care at the facility but were financially constrained.

    Moyosore and his team were received at the boardroom by Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, the Chief Medical Director at LASUTH along with other members of the top management board including Prof. Adebowale Adekoya, Director of Clinical Services, Mrs. Titilope Alaka, Director, Finance & Accounts, Prince Jelili Oyekan, Director, Hospital Administration & Human Resources, to mention just a few.

    Justifying the need for the philanthropic gestures, Moyosore said it was their own modest way of honouring the celebrator on the occasion of his birthday.

    According to him, “Seyi Tinubu is a core humanist and I can tell you there are so many people across the country who are beneficiaries of his largesse even before he attained his current status. He has come through for so many of us. And of course, you can’t give him money. The only thing you can do is to make him happy and compliment his efforts and the efforts of his father, who is the president of this country, in making sure that truly and really people who are downtrodden, who do not have these supplies, are impacted and affected one way or the other.”

    Expatiating, he said, “Yes, I know what we are doing is a drop of water in an ocean. But the reality of the fact is that one or two people are impacted. We are providing these to homes and families and simultaneously, the same initiative is going on across the country by one person or the other that I am aware of. And of course, the celebrant is aware of this. We just want to give our token to the hospital community to support these patients in settling their bills.”

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    The Convener who hinted that his team would pay a visit to the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Ikoyi, Lagos, to help settle the bills of inmates who have been discharged and acquitted but are financially constrained, further revealed that similar gestures were being done by other associates of Seyi Tinubu across the country at this point in time.

    “These are bills we’re offsetting so that they can go home and reunite with their families and of course enjoy freedom. In the midst of all the complaints we have in the country, there’s nothing like having freedom, there’s nothing like happiness and that’s what we’re doing.

    “We are also like the 10 lepers and one is coming back to show gratitude. We’re part of those coming back to say, Seyi Tinubu, thank you for all you’ve done, for your friends and allies all through the years and beyond. It will amaze you to know that this initiative is also done around my constituency, Ikeja. So these are my friends and partners who have supported me in doing this.”

    While responding on behalf of the hospital management, Prof. Fabamwo, who thanked the celebrator and his associates for the good gestures, emphasised that LASUTH has the best of medicare across the country, all thanks to the support of the Lagos state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and especially President Bola Tinubu, who he said founded the hospital during his tenure as governor in the late 1990s.

    “As we speak, we are one of the fully-functional national health centres. We are a one-stop shop for all kinds of issues that have to do with advanced medical care. The message we would like you to take away is the message of health insurance. We would like you to take it to the grassroots. Health insurance is the future of medical funding.”

    Out-of-pocket payment for medical treatment, Fabamwo stressed, “is fast going out of fashion, majorly because of the scarcity of funds and because of the rapidly increasing cost of medications and medical care. So it’s quite more economical for people to take up health insurance and then have access to medical care. As we speak, there are two major insurance plans. There’s the National Health Insurance Scheme and there’s also the Lagos State Insurance Scheme.”

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs . Sherifat Razaq, who said she was recently delivered of a baby girl at the facility, was effusive with praises for the kind gestures, even as she prayed for God’s protection and blessings for her benefactors.

    The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of cheque and cutting of the birthday cake with Moyosore in the company of some of his team.

  • Seyi Tinubu’s associates offset hospital bills of indigent patients in LASUTH, others

    Seyi Tinubu’s associates offset hospital bills of indigent patients in LASUTH, others

    It was a moment of joyous ecstasy as scores of indigent patients enjoyed the magnanimity of some public-spirited Nigerians who had come to pay their medical bills at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday.

    The kind gesture was part of activities to commemorate the birthday anniversary of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, the son of the first family by his friends and associates.

    Seyi turned 39 on Sunday.

    Tinubu’s associates led by Hon. Adebanjo Moyosore presented a cheque of N3 million to the management of LASUTH as a token to help some patients who had accessed medical care at the facility but were financially constrained.

    Moyosore, the Convener of the Seyi Tinubu Support Initiative (STSI) and his team were received at the boardroom by Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, the Chief Medical Director at LASUTH along with other members of the top management board including Prof. Adebowale Adekoya, Director of Clinical Services, LASUTH, Mrs. Titilope Alaka, Director, Finance & Accounts, Prince Jelili Oyekan, Director, Hospital Administration & Human Resources, LASUTH, to mention just a few.

    Justifying the need for the philanthropic gestures, Moyosore said it was their modest way of honouring the celebrator on the occasion of his birthday.

    “Seyi Tinubu is a core humanist and I can tell you there are so many people across the country who are beneficiaries of his largesse even before he attained his current status. He has come through for so many of us. And of course, you can’t give him money. The only thing you can do is to make him happy and compliment his effort and the effort of his father, who is the president of this country, in making sure that truly and really downtrodden people, who do not have these supplies, are impacted and affected one way or the other, “Moyosore said.

    Expatiating, he said: “Yes, I know what we are doing is a drop of water in an ocean. But the reality of the fact is that one or two people are impacted. We are providing these to homes and families and simultaneously, the same initiative is going on across the country by one person or the other that I am aware of. And of course, the celebrant is aware of this. We just want to give our token to the hospital community to support these patients in settling their bills.”

    While responding on behalf of the hospital management, Prof. Fabamwo, who thanked the celebrator and his associates for the good gestures, emphasised that LASUTH boosts the best of Medicare across the country all thanks to the support of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and especially President Bola Tinubu, who he said found the hospital during his tenure as governor in the late 1990s.

    “As we speak, we are one of the fully functional national health centres. We are a one-stop shop for all kinds of issues that have to do with advanced medical care. The message we would like you to take away is the message of health insurance. We would like you to take it to the grassroots. Health insurance is the future of medical funding.”

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    Out-of-pocket payment for medical treatment, Fabamwo stressed, “is fast going out of fashion, majorly because of the scarcity of funds and because of the rapidly increasing cost of medications and medical care. So it’s quite more economical for people to take up health insurance and then have access to medical care. As we speak, there are two major insurance plans. There’s the National Health Insurance Scheme and there’s also the Lagos State Insurance Scheme.”

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Sherifat Razaq, who said she had recently delivered a baby girl at the facility, was effusive with praises for the kind gestures, even as she prayed for God’s protection and blessings for her benefactors.

    The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the cheque and cutting of the birthday cake with Moyosore in the company of some of his team.

  • APC youth leader Ibrahim salutes Seyi Tinubu on birthday 

    APC youth leader Ibrahim salutes Seyi Tinubu on birthday 

    A frontline member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth advocacy, Musa Ibrahim on Sunday, October 13, extolled the virtues of the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, as he celebrates his birthday. 

    Ibrahim, in a congratulatory message, said: “We celebrate this special occasion with you and the first family. 

     “I in particular wish to acknowledge and commend your philanthropic services to the nation and acknowledge your contributions to our successes through your insightful and resolute inputs to the processes of managing challenges of governance in the country. 

     “As the President son, you have inspired us to develop initiatives to ensure that the renew hope initiatives remains a shining light of our party.” 

    According to him, Ambassador Seyi has touched many lives through is Noel Foundation, especially the less-privileges across the country. 

     He said Seyi is a detrabilised Nigerian who sees every sections of the country as his constituency irrespective of tribe or religion.

  • Maternal, infant health: Seyi Tinubu intensifies intervention for indigent women, children

    Maternal, infant health: Seyi Tinubu intensifies intervention for indigent women, children

    ….as drug bank births in Abuja FMC

    Seyi Tinubu has stated that tackling the economic challenges faced by indigent women is essential to reducing maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria.

    He emphasised that lowering the country’s global ranking in maternal and infant mortality requires concerted efforts to ensure access to quality healthcare for indigent women and their children.

    Seyi, the son of President Bola Tinubu, explained that it was in support of this goal that he initiated the Drug Banks for Indigent Patients in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatric Pharmacy Intervention for Infant and Maternal Healthcare for 60 tertiary health institutions nationwide.

    The objective is to provide essential medications for 10,000 indigent patients monthly to bridge the healthcare gap for vulnerable women and children.

    Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the donation of drugs and other medical consumables to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Seyi Tinubu also reiterated his determination to cover the 60 health facilities within the year in time for the second phase to begin in earnest.

    Upon completing the first phase, the project will progress to its second phase, broadening its scope to include research.

    Represented by Ojeje Amin Onimisi, he disclosed that the ability to provide quality healthcare services ranked high in the selection of beneficiary tertiary health institutions.

    “Our choice of tertiary health care institution is to make sure that these drugs are domiciled in institutions, or the program starts in institutions that already have an established structure that we are very sure can manage these interventions.

    Read Also: Seyi Tinubu donates drugs to reduce maternal, child mortality 

    “We are happy to give this drug bank here, and we are very optimistic the drugs will be used judiciously to reduce maternal and child mortality, which is the primary objective of the project

    “Time is of the essence. We want to make sure that the entire 60 hospitals are covered before the end of the year so that we can enter the second phase by next year,” he said.

    Onimisi, who noted that the donation demonstrates Seyi Tinubu’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting Nigeria’s healthcare sector, said, “His generosity will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of many Nigerians.”

    The National Coordinator of the project, Benson Cole, who noted that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, added that Seyi Tinubu is proud to support the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja in providing excellent care to Nigerians.

    Revealing that with time, the project would institute some research to make the initiative more robust, Cole said: “Mr. Seyi Tinubu is quite frankly not happy with the infant mortality rate that we have. The maternal mortality rate that we have, as you heard earlier, is the fourth largest in the world.

    “Our indices are not good enough, and so this intervention is aimed at reducing the maternal and infant mortality figures in Nigeria, which is quite woeful at this moment.

    “So this is the passion that Mr. Seyi Tinubu has to assist, especially the caregivers, in rendering care to the indigent patients who cannot afford to pay at a time of need, and then end up contributing to these unfortunate statistics, simply because they couldn’t afford care, and then most of the time they pass away in the process of abandonment.”

    The Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Saad Ahmed, appreciated the gesture of Seyi Tinubu while assuring him to utilize the donation for the purposes it was meant for.

    Ahmed, who was represented by the Head of Clinical Services, Bioku Muftau, said: “We are deeply grateful to Mr Seyi Tinubu for this generous donation, this gesture will significantly enhance our capacity to provide quality care to our patients and support Nigeria’s healthcare system, especially the indigent patients, Maternal and Child Care health services.”

    As part of the project, a N1m scholarship was also awarded to Mohammed Fatimah, for emerging as the best Resident Doctor in the Paediatric Unit.

  • Seyi Tinubu donates drugs to reduce maternal, child mortality 

    Seyi Tinubu donates drugs to reduce maternal, child mortality 

    Mr Seyi Tinubu has donated essential drugs for maternal and child care to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja .

    The donation was done on Wednesday in Abuja, as a demonstration of his commitment to maternal and child care.

    While presenting the items to the hospital, Tinubu, who was represented by Mr Ojeje Onimisi, said it demonstrated his commitment to giving back to the community and supporting Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

    “His generosity will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of many Nigerians.

    “Time is of the essence and we want to make sure that the entire 60 hospitals are covered before the end of the year, so that we can enter the second phase by next year.”

    Tinubu said that FMC was short listed for the exercise as a result of the quality healthcare services being offered to patients.

    “Our choice of tertiary health care institution is to make sure that these drugs are domiciled in institutions.

    “We are happy to give this drug bank here, and we are optimistic the drugs will be used judiciously to reduce maternal and child mortality, which is the primary objective of the project.”

    The National Coordinator of the project, Dr Benson Cole, said that access to quality healthcare was a fundamental right.

    “Seyi Tinubu is quite  frankly not happy with the infant mortality rate that we have.

    “The maternal mortality rate that we have is fourth largest in the world.

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    “Our indices are not good enough, and so this intervention is aimed at reducing the maternal and infant mortality figures in Nigeria, which is quite woeful at this moment.”

    The Head of Clinical Services, Dr Bioku Muftau, received the donated items on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Saad Ahmed.

    He appreciated Tinubu for the gesture.

    He added that the gesture would significantly enhance the facility’s capacity to provide quality care to patients and support Nigeria’s healthcare system, especially the indigent patients, maternal and child care health services.

    (NAN)

  • Seyi Tinubu, brother, friends donate to Maiduguri flood victims

    Seyi Tinubu, brother, friends donate to Maiduguri flood victims

    Youth enthusiast and President’s son, Seyi Tinubu on Friday sympathised with residents of Borno State over the devastating flood that recently ravaged Maiduguri , the state capital.

    Tinubu who was accompanied by brother, friends and associates made a donation worth over N500 million on behalf of his friends and associates.

    Known for his philanthropic gesture, especially towards the youths, Tinubu claimed the visit was the first step towards contributing in ameliorating the current difficult situation of the young people affected by the flood. 

    He assured the intervention would continue until Borno state especially Maiduguri see the light again. 

    President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries had visited Borno state within the week in solidarity with its people. 

    Addressing Governor Babagana Zulum, and other important dignitaries who received him in the State Government House, the youth advocate said the people of Borno state are known for their resilience even amidst insecurity that ravaged the state in some years past. 

    He expressed optimism that this too will pass and the State will come out stronger.

     According to him: “We are here today, not just as representatives of our family but as members of a collective effort of young Nigerians to bring hope and relief to those who need it most. This is a moment for solidarity, compassion, and immediate action. 

    “Maiduguri and Borno State have rich histories. The people are resilient. Despite the issues of the past few years, they have braved all odds which is why such a painful national tragedy that befell the state deserves our collective effort, support and prayers. Even more, it deserves our active collaboration and contributions.

    “When my dad, President Bola Tinubu, visited Maiduguri earlier this week, he spoke about the urgent need for the private sector and individuals alike to step up in support of the communities affected. Inspired by his call, my wife Layal, and I through the Noella Foundation, my brother Yinka, our friends, and numerous private sector partners have joined hands to respond swiftly to the needs of those displaced by this tragedy.”

    Among the donation made were food items, including cartons each of spaghetti, tomato paste, groundnut oil and Salt, bags each of flour, rice, maize, Maggie, thousands of loaves of bread, and other staples. 

    Also donated to the state were 10,000 pieces of mosquito nets, blankets, mattresses, kettles, wrappers, buckets, mats, sanitary pads and wash kits.

    He also provided critical supplies to cover prescriptions for almost 50,000 children and adults, including anti-malarials, anti-hypertensives, antiparasitics, anti-diabetics, analgesics and antibiotics.

    Thanking Governor Zulum for his efforts, Tinubu said: “I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Zulum for his tireless leadership during this time of crisis and to everyone working around the clock to ensure these supplies reach the families who need them most.

    “Your Excellency, distinguished leaders, and the resilient people of Borno State, in times of hardship, it is our shared responsibility to stand together. These medical supplies, survival kits, and food items we have brought today are our little gesture of solidarity and compassion, knowing that no amount of aid can replace the lives and homes affected by this devastating flood. 

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    “However, we hope this small contribution brings comfort and relief to those in need. Together, we can rebuild and heal, for in unity, there is strength. The Nigeriam youth stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Borno. We are in this together and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Just like President Bola Tinubu said on Monday, Borno will rise again.”

    Addressing reptorterz Mr. Chidi, a transport and logistics expert, who was in company of Tinubu, commended him for the love he has for Nigerians and young people, affirming that he had always known Seyi to be a lover of young people, attesting to his numerous gestures for young Nigerians even before his dad emerged as president. 

    Also speaking, Isaac Balami, a renowned aviator said Tinubu is a young man with empathy and love for his country who is committed to supporting young people.

  • FMC Asaba commends Seyi Tinubu’s health intervention project for indigent patients

    FMC Asaba commends Seyi Tinubu’s health intervention project for indigent patients

    The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Asaba has praised Seyi Tinubu‘s health intervention project as timely and highly commendable.

    The initiative, spearheaded by the son of President Bola Tinubu, known as the Infant and Maternal Healthcare Intervention Drug Banks for Indigent Patients, aims to support 10,000 underprivileged patients monthly across 60 Nigerian tertiary health institutions.

    In addition, the project includes a N1 million Residency Training Scholarship for final-year pediatric residents to assist with their registration and preparation for final fellowship exams.

    Speaking on behalf of FMC Asaba, Medical Director Osiatoma Azubike expressed the hospital’s gratitude for being among the early recipients of the initiative.

    Read Also: Seyi Tinubu launches initiative to fight maternal, infant mortality

    He emphasised that the support comes at a crucial time, given the many indigent patients treated at the facility.

    He added that the donated drugs and medical supplies will significantly reduce the financial burden of care on these patients.

    Joseph Ajanwenyi, a beneficiary of the Residency Training scholarship, expressed gratitude for Mr. Tinubu’s generosity and pledged to use the grant responsibly for its intended purpose.

    Seyi Tinubu, represented by Ojeje Onimisi, praised the programme’s coordinating team but urged them to expedite their activities to ensure all registered hospitals benefit within the stipulated time.

    The National Coordinator of the project, Benson Cole, urged the hospital management to use the drugs wisely and ensure that indigent patients are not disadvantaged.

  • Seyi Tinubu launches initiative to fight maternal, infant mortality

    Seyi Tinubu launches initiative to fight maternal, infant mortality

    • 600,000 indigent patients across 60 tertiary health facilities

    The infant and maternal mortality rates in the country are unacceptable, Mr. Seyi Tinubu said yesterday.

    According to him urgent action to curtail this menace by the government and private sector must be taken.

    Mr. Tinubu expressed concern over the alarming statistics, noting that in 2023, Nigeria recorded an infant mortality rate of 54.74 deaths per 1,000 live births, while the maternal mortality rate in 2020 stood at 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births.

    To kick start the initiative in redressing the mortality rate Mr. Tinubu  yesterday launched an intervention programme.

    The Infant and Maternal Healthcare Intervention-Drug Banks for Indigent Patients and Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatric Pharmacy, came alive at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), in Zaria.

    He lamented that financial challenges to purchase necessary prescribed medicines either when ailing, or during childbirth is a huge factor contributing to the high mortality.

    Furthermore, he announced a scholarship scheme for final-year pediatric residency doctors, supported with N1,000,000 per beneficiary to facilitate registration and preparation for their final fellowship exams.

    He said it was high time Nigeria’s ranking as the fourth with the highest burden on the map of countries with high rates of infant and maternal mortality dropped.

    He explained that the will involve support for medical equipment and research, with a target of 600,000 indigent patients monthly across 60 tertiary health institutions nationwide.

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    Mr. Tinubu, who was represented by Pharm. Ojeje Amin Onimisi, said: “Our intervention is driven from the passion for children. From the health needs of children, we have funded several hospitals. We have had to culture skull for the treatment of a child with congenital abnormalities.

    “Now we are doing it on a larger scale to ensure that many Nigerians benefit. This intervention is for the vulnerable. If a child is born into a situation of being needy due to no fault of theirs should be supported.

    “This project is going to be expanded in the areas of medical equipment, and research that revolves around infant and maternal health care and it would be 10,000 beneficiaries across 60 tertiary health institutions across Nigeria per month.

    “That means we are speaking of giving this aide to 600,000 indigent patients on a monthly basis”.

    He however urged the management of the hospitals to ensure the effective and efficient use of the intervention for indigent patients who are most vulnerable.

    The National Coordinator, Drug Banks for Indigent Patients in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatric Pharmacy Intervention for Infant and Maternal Healthcare, Benson Ayodele Cole, in his remarks noted that tertiary hospitals were chosen because of the enormous burden of indigent patients they receive yearly and also because they currently have better-organized systems and infrastructure to administer the scheme.

    “As the National Coordinator of this project, I am delighted to let you know that the program will be cascaded down to the Secondary and Primary Care levels in General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres.”

    Ibrahim Mohammed-Zaria, Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee at ABUTH, who represented the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Ahmad Hamadu applauded the initiative, stating that it is apt and would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of mothers and children, thereby reducing the country’s infant and maternal mortality indices.

    Mohammed-Zaria pledged that the hospital management would ensure the intervention judiciously served the indigent patients at the hospital especially the pregnant women and children under five years of age.

    “Due to the current state of the nation’s economy, many patients do come to this hospital without money as some may have exhausted their resources at other hospitals before they are finally referred here but with this initiative, it would go a long way in alleviating their suffering,” he said.

    Mr Seyi Tinubu through the intervention commissioned a solar-powered industrial borehole at Banzazzau, Zaria city to cater for the perennial water shortage to forestall the devastating consequences of cholera outbreak and other water-related infectious diseases in such communities.

    Aisha Suleiman became the first grant beneficiary for her outstanding performance.