Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, for selecting Ondo State as the host for the South-West regional launch of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), describing her as a “national treasure” and “mother of the nation.”
Speaking at the official launch held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa applauded Mrs Tinubu’s commitment to supporting healthcare workers, particularly nurses and midwives across the country.
A key highlight of the event was the distribution of 10,000 professional kits — including scrubs and Crocs — to healthcare workers in the South-West.
“This thoughtful gesture will undoubtedly have a profound impact on maternal and child health in our region,” the governor said.
“It will boost the morale of our nurses and midwives and enhance the quality of care they provide.”
He praised the initiative as a strategic intervention aligned with Ondo State’s healthcare development goals and reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, particularly in supporting women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
In her remarks, Mrs Tinubu explained that the RHI is designed to complement Federal Government efforts to improve the well-being of Nigerians.
She noted that previous editions have been held in other geo-political zones, and the initiative seeks to uplift communities and provide targeted support where needed.
She announced a N50 million grant to the Ondo State First Lady, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, to support rural women, as well as empowerment for 200 women in the textile industry.
She also praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritising women’s welfare and ensuring female representation in government.
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Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, in her welcome address, thanked the First Lady for her visit, which she described as a clear demonstration of “motherly love and care.”
She commended the launch of the Free to Shine campaign to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis.
The event also featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders.
The Minister of State for Health, Adekunle Salako, praised the First Lady for championing quality healthcare and noted the potential of the initiative to reduce maternal mortality.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina, lauded the programme’s contributions to strengthening primary healthcare and promoting immunisation across Nigeria.
Ahead of the event, Mrs Tinubu met with the Ondo State Council of Obas, where she appealed to traditional rulers to support efforts aimed at improving women’s well-being nationwide.
Represented by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the Council pledged its support and prayed for the success of the Tinubu administration.
The First Lady also outlined future plans under the RHI, including a new campaign tagged Flow with Confidence, which will distribute 10,000 sanitary pads per state to girls in rural areas.
She spoke about the Young Farmers’ Club and women’s gardening initiative, supported by a N400 billion agricultural fund, with each First Lady receiving a N68.9 million grant for women farmers.
Other components of the initiative include scholarships, international education opportunities, and the Alternative High School for Girls, aimed at supporting teenage mothers.
The programme, already operational in Osun State, is set to launch in Ondo soon.
To round off her visit, Mrs Tinubu paid a courtesy visit to elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, at his residence in Akure.
