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Governor Aiyedatiwa applauds Mrs Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative
— As First Lady Empowers Thousands of Women in Ondo State
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has extended profound gratitude to the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for selecting Ondo State as the host for the South-West regional launch of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
Speaking at the official launch ceremony on Thursday at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the First Lady as a “national treasure and mother of the nation”, commending her unwavering commitment to supporting nurses and midwives across Nigeria.
The event’s high point was the distribution of 10,000 professional kits comprising medical scrubs and Crocs to healthcare workers from the South-West region.
“This thoughtful gesture will undoubtedly have a profound impact on maternal and child health in our region,” the Governor stated. “It will boost the morale of our nurses and midwives and improve the quality of care they deliver.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed the importance of investing in maternal and child health, noting the immense returns in public health outcomes and national productivity. He described the initiative as a “strategic intervention” that aligns with Ondo State’s health development objectives.
He also lauded Senator Tinubu’s broader empowerment programmes, including her recent financial support for women traders, describing women’s empowerment as a key driver of sustainable development.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, the Governor highlighted various social programmes targeting women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
He further thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and consistent support for Ondo State through multiple federal interventions.
These include the establishment of a new Teaching Hospital for the Federal University of Technology, the elevation of Adeyemi College of Education to a University of Education, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway traversing Ondo, the siting of a Nigerian Air Force Secondary School at Igbara-Oke, and the dualisation of the Ore-Ondo-Akure road.
In her remarks, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative is aimed at complementing the Federal Government’s efforts in enhancing the welfare of Nigerians. She explained that other geo-political zones had previously benefited from the programme, which is designed to uplift communities and provide essential support.
She described the distribution of professional kits as a token of appreciation and encouragement for the dedication and sacrifices of nurses and midwives.
Continuing her empowerment drive, Mrs. Tinubu announced a N50 million grant to be presented to the Ondo State First Lady, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, to support rural women across the state.
She also revealed that 200 women involved in the textile industry would be empowered under the initiative.
In addition, she commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his administration’s commitment to women’s welfare and the inclusion of women in governance.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Ondo State’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the choice of Ondo State as host, calling it a clear testament to the First Lady’s motherly care and compassion.
She praised the RHI’s dual focus on distributing 10,000 professional kits and launching the Free to Shine campaign, which seeks to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis.
Mrs. Aiyedatiwa also thanked the women of Ondo State for turning out en masse to honour the First Lady, noting that their presence brought grace and vibrancy to the occasion.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, also spoke at the event, applauding the First Lady for championing quality healthcare. He acknowledged the initiative’s potential to reduce maternal mortality and boost the morale of health workers across Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, praised both President Tinubu and the First Lady for their impactful programmes aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s primary healthcare system, promoting immunisation, and ensuring equitable access to essential services.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Tinubu met with the Ondo State Council of Obas as part of her visit, appealing to traditional rulers to support her efforts in improving the lives of women across the country.
Appreciating the warm welcome from the royal fathers, the First Lady stated that global health organisations, including the United Nations, are working to eradicate specific diseases in Nigeria by 2030.
She also unveiled plans for a new programme titled Flow with Confidence, which will see the distribution of 10,000 sanitary pads per state to adolescent girls, particularly in rural areas.
Touching on agricultural development, she highlighted the Young Farmers’ Club and Women’s Gardening Initiative, supported by a N400 billion intervention fund from the Ministry of Agriculture. Each state’s First Lady, she added, had received a N68.9 million grant to support women farmers.
She further revealed that the initiative includes annual student scholarships, including international placements in Belarus. Additionally, the Alternative High School for Girls, designed for teenage mothers, offers education alongside on-site childcare facilities. While already operational in Osun State, the programme will soon be launched in Ondo.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye represented by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi pledged the traditional rulers’ support and prayers for President Tinubu’s administration.
Oba Aladelusi also commended the First Lady for her steadfast support for the President and expressed optimism that her contributions would bolster the administration’s success.
Mrs. Tinubu later paid a courtesy visit to the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, at his residence.
