Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Tuesday, affirmed that the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Health Programme was to compliment the giant strides of the Federal Government in making healthcare available, accessible and affordable for Nigerians.
Senator Tinubu stated this at the ceremony for the presentation of 10,000 professional kits, crocs and scrubs to midwives in the South-South Geopolitical zone held in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
She said the presentation of the kits to the midwives was a deliberate effort to strengthen the Federal Government’s training of 120,000 frontline healthcare workers nationwide, pointing out that so far, 60,470 health workers had completed their training.
While commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his contributions to the programme, she said 2,000 women from Delta would receive N50,000 each to recapitalise their businesses.
Senator Tinubu said in 2023, the RHI interventions recorded success in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, healthcare and social welfare.
“We are here to officially flag off the distribution of 10,000 professional kids to midwives in the South South states namely Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers with Delta State being the chief host today.
“I am informed that 60,470 health workers have already completed their training and that is why the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) procured 60,000 branded crocs and 60,000 scrubs as an incentive to encourage and support the tireless dedication of our midwives.
“All six geo-political zones will receive 10,000 crocs and 10,000 pairs of scrubs which will be distributed among the states in each zone. Today, we are in Asaba to distribute the kits to the South South Zone.
“This donation has been made possible through the generous support of an anonymous global partner dedicated to improving health outcomes for our citizens. I refer to them as anonymous because they prefer to remain so.
“Since inception in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has provided targeted interventions in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health and social welfare to improve the lives of families across Nigeria,” she said.
In his remarks, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori expressed appreciation to the First Lady for hosting the event in the state.
He said the presentation of 10,000 professional kits (crocs and scrubs) would go a long way to boost morale, enhance productivity, and promote professional fulfilment of our midwives.
He added, “it is a joy and pleasure to have you in Delta State once again, as you continue your valiant efforts to improve the lot of our people, especially women and children, through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“Just seven months ago, you were here to flag off the Empowerment Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which has been a resounding success.
“As a people, we are deeply grateful that you have chosen Delta as the host state to flag off the health programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative in the South-South geo political zone.”
He commended Mrs Tinubu for her interventions in the health sector, saying, “I am pleased that today’s programme is addressing a specific need in the health sector.
The governor recalled, “many of us here grew up with fond memories of the ubiquitous midwife in the healthcare system. She was the one everybody ran to for quick medical services, especially when the doctor was not on duty.
“The midwives were everybody’s go-to, and were very proficient in providing counsel for women and their families in the areas of hygiene, lifestyle choices, and family planning.
“Today, the job of the midwife has become even more demanding as the rapid population growth exerts more pressure on the healthcare system.
“Midwives are crucial to an effective and successful healthcare delivery system as they play a vital role in public health, particularly in maternal and child health.
“They administer treatments, promoting healthy living, assisting pregnant women, and delivering public health messages, all of which result in improved health outcomes for women and children.
“It is heartwarming that the First Lady has identified this critical segment of the healthcare system for support and encouragement.
“Indeed, this initiative is consistent with the First Lady’s character as a caring and compassionate mother, leader, and public servant.
“The kits serve as a protective gear for healthcare practitioners by shielding them from potentially harmful bodily fluids and pathogens. Without doubt, these professional kits are of immeasurable value to our midwives.”
On his part, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said the ministry was determined to halt all deaths of mothers at child birth and reduce infant mortality by ensuring that skilled birth attendants attend topregnant mothers to deliver safely.
Speaking on behalf of the people of the South South, wife of Delta state governor and founder ‘You Matter Charity Foundation,’ Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, thanked the President’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her commitment towards the wellbeing of women and children in healthcare, agriculture and social investment.
She affirmed that Delta had benefited a lot from her Renewed Hope Initiative programme and assured her of the maximum support of Deltans in the realisation of set goals.
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