• Fight against genital mutilation, maternal deaths, poverty top list
• Aiyedatiwa enthused, rallies stakeholders to boost initiative

By Josephine Oguntoyinbo, Adedotun Ajayi & Kayode Olabanji

Ondo State was on Thursday at the centre of a powerful push for women’s health and empowerment, as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, led the South-West launch of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

The project seeks to tackle pressing issues affecting women and girls across Nigeria, ranging from female genital mutilation (FGM) to period poverty, while also boosting healthcare delivery and women’s economic independence.

Senator Tinubu announced that the initiative had secured a substantial N400 billion intervention fund from the Ministry of Agriculture, to implement its several empowerment programmes for women, which include the ‘Young Farmers’ Club and Women’s Gardening Initiative.

She said: “This initiative has secured a substantial N400 billion intervention fund from the Ministry of Agriculture, to implement its several empowerment programmes for women, which include the ‘Young Farmers’ Club and Women’s Gardening Initiative. And as part of the programme, each state’s First Lady has received a grant of N68.9 million to support women farmers.

“We have made arrangements for scholarship scheme for students, including international education opportunities in Belarus. Also, we have introduced the Alternative High School for Girls, an initiative tailored for teenage mothers, which will provide both education and childcare support. While the programme is already operational in Osun State, it is set to commence in Ondo State shortly.”

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in his keynote address at the event, praised the First Lady for her dedication to advancing women’s rights and health.

He lauded the selection of Ondo State as the venue for the regional launch, describing it as a ‘great honour’ for the state. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of women and children.

Aiyedatiwa said: “We are immensely proud to host this landmark event, which underscores the priority our administration places on maternal and child health. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that our healthcare workers have the resources they need to provide the best possible care.”

The South-West launch of the initiative was marked by the distribution of 10,000 professional kits, including scrubs and Crocs, to nurses and midwives across the region.

This gesture is aimed at empowering healthcare workers, particularly those working on maternal and child health, and improving their ability to provide high-quality care.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the initiative would help enhance the morale of healthcare workers, particularly in rural areas where resources are often scarce.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her speech, outlined the goals of the Renewed Hope Initiative, including the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Syphilis and Tuberculosis.

She called on the Ondo State Council of Obas to support her advocacy for these critical issues, particularly the fight against FGM, which she described as ‘a harmful and outdated tradition built on myths.’

“Ending FGM is one of our key priorities. It destroys the lives of young girls and has no place in our society. I urge our traditional rulers to help spread this message in their domains and ensure that our daughters grow up in an environment free from this harmful practice,” she declared.

The First Lady also introduced a new menstrual hygiene campaign, titled “Flow with Confidence”, which will provide 10,000 sanitary pads to young girls in rural areas across Nigeria. She explained that the initiative aims to combat period poverty, which often forces young girls to miss school and hinders their overall development.

She stated: “Women are the backbone of our society. It is essential that we create opportunities for them to thrive, whether it be through education, healthcare, or economic empowerment. We are creating pathways for women to succeed in all areas of life.”

As the programme moves forward, Senator Tinubu expressed her hope that it would serve as a model for other regions, and ultimately, a nationwide movement that would lead to lasting change in the lives of Nigerian women.

In his welcome remarks, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the Deji of Akure, who represented the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, the Olowo of Owo, commended the First Lady for her impactful initiatives. He pledged the unwavering support of traditional rulers in Ondo State and expressed their commitment to the success of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“We may not be able to offer financial help, but our prayers will never cease for the success of President Tinubu’s administration,” Oba Aladelusi assured.

The monarch also praised Senator Tinubu for her loyalty to her husband, noting, “By the time Asiwaju completes his first term, Nigerians will beg him to go for another.”

The event featured a symbolic gift presentation to Mrs Tinubu by the wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa, in her address, expressed her unwavering support for the First Lady’s initiatives and pledged to work closely with her to ensure the success of the Renewed Hope Initiative in Ondo State.

Speaking at the occasion, Mrs Aiyedatiwa, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for choosing the Sunshine State as the host of the impactful two-day event.

“This is indeed a demonstration of your motherly love and care for us as a people, and it will remain evergreen in our collective memory,” she remarked.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa noted that the intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, especially for women and the vulnerable. She emphasised that the provision of professional kits, scrubs and Crocs to frontline health workers would enhance maternal and child healthcare in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States.

“The demands of the health profession require not only skills and compassion but also the right tools. These incentives will go a long way in encouraging our dedicated midwives and reducing infant mortality in our country,” she noted.

She further urged the beneficiaries of the initiative to see it as a call to service and remain committed to delivering quality healthcare to mothers, newborns and the most vulnerable in society.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa also commended the women of Ondo State for turning out in large numbers to receive the First Lady, describing their presence as one that added dignity and colour to the ceremony. “Your Excellency, we are truly inspired by this visit.”

Extending a warm welcome on behalf of the people and women of Ondo State, she said the Renewed Hope Initiative is one of the flagship social intervention programmes of the Tinubu administration, championed by the Office of the First Lady, and aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians through healthcare, empowerment, and education.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, commended the First Lady for championing quality healthcare and acknowledged the valuable impact of the initiative in reducing maternal mortality and motivating health workers in Nigeria. He also praised President Tinubu for his political will, which has positively impacted the health sector.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, commended President Tinubu and his wife for the impactful programme in developing and implementing primary healthcare initiatives across Nigeria, with a focus on strengthening the healthcare system, promoting immunisation and ensuring equitable access to essential health services.

According to him, this is the fifth zone where the kits have been distributed, which has positively impacted and reduced maternal mortality nationwide. He stated that the Agency is working aggressively to boost the health sector through various programmes.

Meanwhile, stakeholders across Ondo State have lauded the visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing her Renewed Hope Initiative as a timely and impactful programme aimed at improving the lives of women, children, and vulnerable groups across the country.

In separate interviews, prominent political and community leaders praised the First Lady’s commitment to grassroots empowerment and national development through the initiative.

The event was also a platform for Senator Tinubu to urge the state’s leaders to collaborate in addressing health challenges and uplifting the status of women and girls in Ondo State.

In a passionate address, she stated, “This initiative is not just about policy. It is about changing lives—creating a future where women and girls are given the opportunity to thrive, free from the shackles of poverty and outdated traditions.”

The Senator representing Ondo Central, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, described the First Lady’s visit as a strong signal of the Federal Government’s inclusive approach to governance.

“The Renewed Hope Initiative is a commendable programme that touches lives directly. Her Excellency’s presence in Ondo reinforces the government’s connection with the people,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, the lawmaker representing Ilaje Constituency 1, Princess Olawunmi Fayemi-Obayelu, applauded the First Lady for her passion for the welfare of women and children.

“It’s encouraging to see such high-level attention being paid to vulnerable groups. This visit has brought hope and excitement to our people,” she noted.

In the same vein, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Ade Adetimehin, said the First Lady’s intervention reflects the party’s core values.

“We are proud that the APC-led Federal Government is walking the talk. The Renewed Hope Initiative is not just a slogan; it is action-driven,” he added.

State Woman Leader of the APC, Mrs Stella Lijoka, emphasised that the programme has further energised women in the party. “It’s a moral boost for us women. Her Excellency has shown us that we matter and our contributions are seen.”

Similarly, the State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ademola Odudu, and the State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), who is also the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Dr. Gbenga Fasua, noted that the visit has sparked renewed commitment at the grassroots level.

Fasua said: “The impact is already being felt, especially in how it encourages local government efforts to key into national development goals.”

Also speaking, the National President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Mrs Oluseyi Odusola, commended the First Lady for championing causes that directly uplift women and children.

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami and his wife, Mrs. Abosede Adelami; Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti;
Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; APC, State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philips; wives of governors from neighbouring states,
political appointees and traditional rulers.

Other dignitaries in attendance included members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, top government officials, and stakeholders from the public and private sectors, all of whom expressed their full support for the Renewed Hope Initiative.