Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the Southeast states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, and Enugu. This initiative complements the federal government’s retraining exercise for 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide.
Renewed Hope Initiative
According to Mrs. Tinubu, over 60,000 health workers have completed their training, and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) is distributing 60,000 kits to midwives, nurses, and other health workers as an incentive to improve healthcare delivery. Since January 2025, 50,000 kits have been distributed to other regions, and the remaining 10,000 kits are being distributed in the Southeast.
Free to Shine Campaign
The First Lady also announced the launch of the “Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign” for HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis in Enugu State. This initiative aims to promote healthier mothers, reduce new HIV infections, and eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Support for Women Petty Traders
The RHI will provide an additional grant of N50 million to support 1,000 women petty traders in Enugu State with N50,000 each to recapitalize their businesses. Another N50 million from the Tony Elumelu Foundation will support 500 petty traders.
Appreciation
Mrs. Tinubu expressed her appreciation to Governor Peter Mbah, his wife, and other stakeholders for their partnership and efforts in improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Earlier in an address, the wife of Enugu State governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah said that midwives are at the front lines of maternal and child health and that empowering these important healthcare workers is crucial to the push to reduce maternal and under-5 mortality rates radically.
“The distribution of 10,000 professional kits—comprising Scrubs and Crocs—to our dedicated midwives across every zone is a significant boost to strengthening our healthcare system
“This thoughtful gesture is a powerful affirmation of the value and dignity we place on our healthcare professionals. You haven’t simply voiced your ideals, Ma; you have also put them into action. This is a true reflection of transformative leadership”. Nkechinyere Mbah said.
