Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has solicited the support of traditional rulers across the nation towards ending cervical cancer, Female Genital Mutilation, (FGM), tuberculosis and others across the nation.
Senator Tinubu said collaboration of traditional institutions across the country has become necessary to have virus-free society.
Speaking in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital in a meeting with traditional rulers, Senator Tinubu urged traditional rulers to play their part in sensitising the public at the grassroots on danger posed by the viruses.
“Shortly after we were sworn in, we started putting things together and we had a meeting with all the First Ladies of State and look at the way we are going to come up with initiatives that will benefit our people.
“I’m the global champion for ‘Stop TB,’ and Tuberculosis Advocacy Campaign and End Tuberculosis Advocacy campaign because we have to end tuberculosis in Nigeria by 2030. So, please, the government is treating those who have, and, you know, there is no stigma to it,” she said.
The first lady reminded that tuberculosis is airborne and encouraged those with the disease to come forward and get tested “because you can pass it on to other people who are not vaccinated.”
She, however, thanked the traditional rulers in attendance as well as wives of governors, and members of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), among others.
In his welcome remark, Governor Seyi Makinde said the first lady’s meeting with traditional rulers was important and strategic, noting that the state government has been working with them in connecting to the grassroots.
“They do not embellish, if you need any feedback from them, be rest assured of their sincerity response, they are important part of governance in Oyo State,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in the state, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade said Senator Tinubu’s visit was a testament to federal government’s commitment to the development of Oyo State.
He noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative of the President’s will benefit people in the state and contribute to the growth of the people.
The Alaafin also commended the First lady’s motherly role and assured of the support and collaboration of people of the state.
The monarch commended Mrs Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Initiative which he said has touched millions of lives across the nation, saying the initiative has been complementing effort of President Bola Tinubu.
Senator Tinubu was accompanied on the visit by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shentima, wife of the Speaker of House of Representatives, Mrs Fatimah Abass, wife of governors, and members of the Renewed Hope Initiative amen others.
Aside from the Alaafin, other notable traditional rulers at the meeting include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye and the representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Also in attendance were the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola; and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola, among others.
