The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on traditional rulers across the country to support ongoing efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM), Hepatitis B, and other health challenges affecting Nigerian women.
Speaking in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during the launch of the FREE TO SHINE campaign and the distribution of 10,000 professional kits (scrubs and crocs) to nurses and midwives in the South-West region, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the critical role of traditional leaders in influencing societal change.
In a meeting with members of the Ondo State Council of Obas, she urged royal fathers to lend their voices to her advocacy on key health issues, including the eradication of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, and Tuberculosis.
The First Lady also unveiled a new menstrual hygiene initiative, Flow with Confidence, aimed at distributing 10,000 sanitary pads to schoolgirls in each state, with a particular focus on rural communities.
“Ending female genital mutilation is one of our core objectives,” she stated. “It is a harmful, outdated practice based on unfounded beliefs. Contrary to what some think, it does not prevent promiscuity. It only harms and traumatizes our young girls.”
Mrs. Tinubu encouraged the monarchs to champion the cause within their communities.
She also highlighted agricultural empowerment projects like the Young Farmers’ Club and the Women’s Gardening Initiative. According to her, the Ministry of Agriculture has set aside a N400 billion intervention fund for these programs. Each First Lady across the states has received a grant of N68.9 million to support women farmers.
Other initiatives discussed include scholarships for Nigerian students—including opportunities to study in Belarus—and the Alternative High School for Girls, a project designed for teenage mothers that offers both education and childcare through on-site crèches.
Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, represented by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, praised Mrs. Tinubu’s commitment to women’s welfare and pledged the traditional institution’s full support and prayers.
“We may not be able to offer financial assistance, but our prayers for the success of President Tinubu’s administration will never cease,” the monarch said. He also lauded the First Lady’s dedication, stating, “By the time Asiwaju completes his first term, Nigerians will be urging him to seek a second.”
At the kit distribution ceremony, Mrs. Tinubu announced a N50 million grant to empower 1,000 petty traders in Ondo State. Among them, 200 women in the textile business will each receive two bales of African print fabric, while 200 others will get grants of N50,000.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa applauded the First Lady’s intervention, noting that the provision of 10,000 scrubs and crocs would not only boost the morale of nurses and midwives but also improve healthcare delivery.
“Investments in maternal and child health yield substantial returns in better health outcomes, economic growth, and societal wellbeing,” he added. “This initiative is both timely and strategic for our state’s health goals.”
The governor’s wife, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, expressed her gratitude to the First Lady for recognizing the critical role of health professionals and equipping them accordingly.
“These incentives will inspire and encourage our hardworking midwives, ultimately helping to reduce infant mortality and enhance maternal care,” she said, urging recipients to see the support as a call to serve.
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