Oluremi Tinubu launches midwife support program in Northwest Nigeria
By Kunle Sanni
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has officially launched the distribution of professional kits for midwives in the North-West region under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The event, held in Kaduna State, brought together the First Ladies of the seven states in the region—Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
During the ceremony, Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of equipping healthcare workers not just with skills and compassion but also with the necessary tools and infrastructure for effective service delivery.
“I am honored to officially flag off the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives across the North-West,” she announced. The kits include branded scrubs and Crocs, designed to support midwives and recognize their critical role in reducing maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.
This initiative complements the ongoing Federal Government retraining program for 120,000 frontline health workers, of which 59,570 have already completed their training.
The First Lady highlighted the importance of continued support for health professionals, applauding the efforts of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
Senator Tinubu also noted that similar distributions have already taken place in the North-Central zone and will soon extend to the South-South region.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State commended the Federal Government’s efforts in the healthcare sector, stating that such initiatives are improving life expectancy and overall health outcomes.
The Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bridging gaps in healthcare access, particularly for pregnant women and mothers. He assured that arrangements are in place to provide free treatment for complications during childbirth.
Beyond healthcare, the event also served as a platform for women’s economic empowerment. The First Lady announced a grant of ₦50,000 each for 1,000 petty traders to help them recapitalize their businesses.
A ₦50 million cheque was presented to Hajia Hafsatu Uba Sani, wife of the Kaduna State Governor, for distribution to the beneficiaries.
“Empowering women means empowering not just the household but the nation as a whole,” Senator Tinubu emphasized.
