First Lady procures 60,000 kits for midwives

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Sunday, said the Renewed Hope Initiative procured 60,000 professional kits comprising scrubs and crocs for midwives to support the ongoing Federal Government retraining of 120,000 health workers.

She said the donation by an anonymous donor is to support the midwives to reduce infant and maternal mortality and morbidity.

Tinubu spoke during the 29th General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady, Mrs. Busola Kukoyi, revealed this in a statement she signed Sunday titled, ‘First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu addresses 29th OAFLAD General Assembly as a new member of the steering committee.’

She reaffirmed her commitment to advocacy, resource mobilization, and fostering partnerships to close the gender gap and boost women’s and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

““On Health, RHI procured 60,000 Professional Kits comprising of Scrubs and Crocs for Midwives to support the ongoing Federal Government retraining of 120,000 health workers, as an incentive to encourage and support the tireless dedication of our Midwives.

“This was made possible through a donation from an anonymous donor committed to ensuring better health outcomes in Africa, particularly in reducing infant and maternal mortality and morbidity.

“Just recently, on January 29, 2025, I commenced the distribution of the Professional Kits with 10,000 to the North Central zone during a 3-day working visit to Kwara State. We will continue in the other five geo-political zones of Nigeria in the coming months,” she noted.

The First Lady noted that though her journey with OAFLAD began only in August 2023, much has been accomplished for women, youths, the aged, and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

This has been possible through the effective implementation of the organisation’s advocacy initiatives through her pet project, RHI, especially in education, social welfare, economic empowerment, agriculture, and health, she said.

According to Tinubu, “With Nigeria having the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, on 30th January 2025, I launched the Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis to significantly reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS vertical transmission, and support sexual and reproductive health.”

She informed the gathering of her plans to partner with the Federal Ministry of the Environment to scale environmental awareness among young people in secondary schools and higher institutions with the re-launch of the ‘Environment Climate Change Club.’

The First Lady noted that the theme for this year’s General Assembly, ‘Building on Beijing: First Ladies Championing Women’s Leadership and Rights through African Heritage,’ is a call to reflect on Africa’s values and how they can impact a new vision for women on the continent.

“This year marks three decades since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration. The impact of this declaration is evident in the remarkable progress Nigerian women have made, emerging from our villages to big cities and even the world stage.

“Their contributions span diverse fields, from education to health, science, technology, politics, music, the fashion industry, business and finance, amongst others.

“Despite this progress, we still have a lot of challenges, especially when it comes to the rights of women and children. We are still facing issues on Health, Female Genital Mutilation, Child Marriage, Gender-Based Violence and Girl Child Education,” she added.

Tinubu noted that as a positive force for change on the African continent, the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development must continue to improve the lot of women by building partnerships that can fast-track the implementation of its 2025-2030 Strategic framework.

“As we progress with #WeAreEqualInAction, I am committed to advocacy, resource mobilization, and fostering partnerships to close the gender gap and boost women and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

“Finally, I want to assure this gathering that I will do more for Nigerian girls, women, and the youth in line with OAFLAD’s strategic framework (2025-2030). I believe 2025 is the year for our continent and we must all do our part in our various countries to make us a formidable force among the comity of nations.

“We must remember that Africa’s true prosperity will be built upon the foundation of our rich history, vibrant cultures, and the strength of our people, with women and youth playing a pivotal role in shaping our future,” she stated.

13 First Ladies were physically present at the event with about eight being represented.

Other speakers at the General Assembly included the outgoing Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission, Minata Cessouma; Vice President, Global Programs, Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Prof. Senait Fisseha; and Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Winnie Byanyima.

The attendees reiterated the urgent need to focus more on issues about promoting opportunities for women, stemming GBV, and securing the future of African children and also consider the rather acute reality the continent now faces, which is a $16bn funding gap.

The 29th General Assembly of OAFLAD is convened this year with an emphasis on championing women’s leadership and rights, 30 years after the Beijing Women Conference of 1995.