By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

The Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Women Affairs and Mobilisation, Dr Seun Osamaye, has expressed the atate’s readiness to host the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu.

Addressing newsmen at a press conference on Wednesday, Osamaye noted that the First Lady would be in Ondo State on April 17 and 18, 2025, (Thursday and Friday) to flag off the distribution of professional kits to 10,000 nurses and midwives across the South-West.

The event will hold at the International Culture and Events Centre, (The Dome), Akure, the state capital.

While saying that the initiative is aimed at enhancing vitality in Nigeria’s healthcare system ,she added that the second programme is specifically targeted at women in textile production, with 200 women set to benefit.

Osamaye stressed that the Nigeria’s First Lady will officially flag off the FREE to SHINE campaign and the Triple Elimination Initiative targeting HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age in the state.

According to her,the campaign also aims to eliminate mother-to-child transmission and support the treatment of Nigerian children born with HIV/AIDS.

Osamaye stated that these initiatives reflect the significance of Her Excellency’s impactful interventions across the country, which are vital to national progress.

She remarked that Ondo State has benefited from several interventions of Mrs Tinubu, ranging from educational support programmes to scholarships for students with disabilities.

“We also have the educational support programme, where students receive financial assistance and allowances. We have the Women in Agricultural Support Programme and the Youth Empowerment Programme, through which many women have benefitted.

“At least over 1,000 people have received cash grants and training. Additionally, some of our young students in secondary schools have been incorporated into the Young Farmers’ Club. Even primary school pupils are now part of the club.” she noted

According to her, everyone is entitled to benefit from these initiatives. “Whether you are indigent or a resident of a state, you are automatically eligible to benefit from this government. So far, that is what we’ve been doing and will continue to do. There is no political affiliation in the distribution ,what matters is that we have identified several segments of our women, especially those in textile production.

“This government ensures that people do not have to struggle to get what they need. It is not a government that neglects its people,” she added.

She emphasised that all preparations have been finalised to host the President’s wife, stating that the people of Ondo State would come out in large numbers to receive her.

She also assured maximum security for residents and visitors during the visit. “Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration is deliberate about ensuring the security of lives and property. I can assure you that the state is currently safe, and we are sustaining that peace .

“The government is in control. By God’s grace, our programme will proceed smoothly, and everything will go as planned,” she concluded.

Corroborating her words,the Acting Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Oluseyi Odusola,other Directors of the Ministry and Female Political appointees,praised the initiative of the First Lady , describing it as impactful.

They also commended the Governor Aiyedatiwa, for his gender friendly initiatives and for partnering with key stakeholders to ensure people benefits immensely.