No Woman Should Die Giving Life – First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Declares in Taraba

No Woman Should Die Giving Life – First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Declares in Taraba

Jalingo, Taraba State – April 10, 2025
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to improving maternal health and empowering frontline health workers across the country, declaring that no woman should lose her life while giving birth.

She made this statement while flagging off the distribution of professional kits to midwives in the North East geopolitical zone, held in Jalingo, Taraba State. The initiative is part of the ongoing interventions by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), spearheaded by the First Lady.

The professional kits, which include 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 pairs of crocs, are being distributed to midwives across the six geopolitical zones. Each zone will receive 10,000 kits as part of a broader effort to complement the Federal Government’s ongoing retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers. So far, over 59,000 health professionals have completed their training.

“The demands of the health profession go beyond skill and compassion,” Senator Tinubu said. “They require proper tools and a conducive environment. That’s why we are supporting our dedicated midwives—not just with training, but with tangible resources to ease their work.”

She commended the efforts of health workers and reiterated the government’s resolve to reduce maternal and child mortality. “Your tireless dedication is the backbone of our healthcare system. We see you, and we appreciate you,” she added.

The First Lady praised the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, for their commitment to improving healthcare access.

As part of the visit, Senator Tinubu also announced a N50 million business recapitalization grant for 1,000 petty traders in Taraba State. The State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, pledged to match the grant for an additional 1,000 beneficiaries.

“In line with our economic empowerment goals, another N50 million grant will be given to the First Lady of Taraba State to support 1,000 women petty traders with N50,000 each,” Senator Tinubu said, reinforcing RHI’s broader mission to uplift vulnerable families across Nigeria.

In his remarks, Governor Kefas lauded the First Lady’s commitment to national development, particularly in the healthcare sector, saying her efforts were “gradually but consciously improving life expectancy and public health outcomes.”

Prof. Pate also addressed attendees, noting the government’s drive to close existing gaps in access to affordable healthcare, particularly for pregnant women. He assured nurses and midwives of the administration’s appreciation and urged them to remain steadfast in their duties.

The kits were officially handed over to the wives of governors from North East states by Senator Tinubu, who also serves as National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The First Lady later paid a courtesy visit to the Taraba State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, led by the Aku Uka of Wukari. She called for their support in strengthening the fight against HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Syphilis, and Tuberculosis in their communities.

Signed:
Busola Kukoyi
SSA Media to the First Lady of Nigeria
April 10, 2025