Presidency’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), spearheaded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reached a new milestone in the South-West region, as thousands of women in Ondo State received vital empowerment and health support during a grand event held in Akure.
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, while welcoming the First Lady to the regional launch of the initiative at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), described Mrs. Tinubu as a “national treasure and mother of the nation” for her continued efforts in improving the lives of women and healthcare workers.
According to him, “This thoughtful gesture will undoubtedly have a profound impact on maternal and child health in our region. It will boost the morale of our nurses and midwives and enhance the quality of care they provide.”
The highlight of the event was the distribution of 10,000 professional kits—comprising scrubs and Crocs—to nurses and midwives across the South-West. Governor Aiyedatiwa called it a “strategic intervention” that aligns closely with Ondo State’s healthcare development objectives and emphasized the broader economic and social impact of investing in maternal and child health.
The First Lady explained that the Renewed Hope Initiative was created to complement Federal Government efforts and directly uplift communities across the country. “This initiative is not just about giving; it is about building. It is about showing our appreciation for those who serve and supporting the most vulnerable among us,” Mrs. Tinubu stated.
She also announced a N50 million empowerment grant to be handed over to the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, for onward distribution to rural women across Ondo State. Additionally, 200 women in the textile industry are to be empowered under the RHI.
Mrs. Tinubu praised the Ondo State Governor for his administration’s inclusive policies and for ensuring female representation in governance. “Governor Aiyedatiwa has shown true commitment to the welfare of women in Ondo, and I commend him for that,” she said.
The event also saw the First Lady introduce future programmes, including “Flow with Confidence,” aimed at distributing 10,000 sanitary pads per state to girls in rural areas. She also reiterated her appeal to traditional rulers to support initiatives targeting the well-being of women and children.
In a separate meeting with the Ondo State Council of Obas, held ahead of the launch, Mrs. Tinubu received pledges of support and prayers. Speaking on behalf of the council, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, who represented the Chairman, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, said, “We appreciate the First Lady’s tireless support for President Tinubu and her dedication to improving lives. Your presence here is a blessing to our people.”
The First Lady also revealed more components of the RHI, including the launch of the Free to Shine campaign to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. She noted that education and agriculture remain core areas of intervention, with each state’s First Lady receiving N68.9 million to support women farmers under the Young Farmers’ Club and women’s gardening initiative—supported by a N400 billion federal agricultural fund.
Mrs. Tinubu further stated that the initiative also includes scholarship schemes and international study opportunities, including education for teenage mothers through Alternative High Schools for Girls. “The school provides education, life skills, and childcare support through on-site crèches. It’s already running in Osun and will soon be launched here in Ondo,” she said.
In her welcome address, the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, described the choice of Ondo State as host as a testament to the First Lady’s motherly love. She praised the RHI programme for its focus on healthcare and women’s empowerment, while also thanking the women of Ondo State for turning out in large numbers to honour the First Lady.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, in his remarks, said the programme is a key tool in the fight against maternal mortality. “This is how we build a resilient healthcare system—by recognizing and supporting those at the frontlines,” he noted.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, commended both the President and the First Lady for their commitment to healthcare. “This initiative is strengthening the foundations of our healthcare system and ensuring no one is left behind,” he said.
As part of her visit, Mrs. Tinubu also paid a courtesy call on the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, at his residence, receiving his blessings and commendation.
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