Remi Tinubu Leads Drive To Cut Maternal Mortality, Empowers Midwives

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu has flagged off the distribution of professional kits to midwives provided by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in the North-East geopolitical zone.

According to a statement by media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said the demands of the health profession transcends mere skills and compassion, pointing out that the administration of President Bola Tinubu continues to move in the right direction to make healthcare delivery better in the country.

Senator Tinubu who stated this at the flag-off of the initiative in Jalingo, the Taraba State on Thursday, said the right tools and infrastructure were also being provided.

While commending the efforts and contributions of the midwives and entire health workforce, Senator Tinubu said their efforts continue to be pivotal to attaining the reduction of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.

“This event is to complement the ongoing Federal Government retraining exercise for 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide.

“I am informed that 59,570 health workers have already completed their training and that is why the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) procured 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 pairs of crocs, as an incentive to encourage and support the tireless dedication of our midwives,” the first lady said.

She appealed to Nigerians to keep encouraging health workers for their tireless efforts, especially the leadership of the sector.

Mrs Tinubu commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and ocial Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, and their entire workforce for their dedicated focus on improving healthcare delivery for the citizens.

She noted this as an important pillar of development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“All six geopolitical zones will receive 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of crocs, which will be distributed among the states in each zone,” she said.

According to the first lady, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has since inception in 2023 provided targeted interventions in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health and social investment to improve the lives of families across Nigeria.

“RHI recognises that the demands of the health profession require not only skills and compassion, but also the right tools and kits to encourage our Midwives as they serve others. We thank you for all your good work,” she said.

She also announced a N50million Business Re-capitalisation grant for 1,000 petty traders in the state with Governor Agbu Kefas promising to match this with additional 1,000 petty traders.

In his remarks, Governor Kefas noted that the nation is currently witnessing great transformation in the health sector that is gradually, but consciously improving life expectancy and other outcomes in the sector.

He commended the First Lady for her strong determination and dedication to improving the lives of the ordinary Nigerian through the visible activities of the RHI.

For his part, the Prof Pate assured that the Federal Government was doing all it can to close the gap in accessibility and affordability of healthcare, especially for pregnant women and mothers.

He assured nurses and midwives that the administration of Tinubu appreciates their efforts and urged them to carry out their duties excellently.