By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has lauded Mrs Tinubu’s Free to Shine campaign which was flagged off for the South West Zone on Friday.

The Free to Shine a triple elimination campaign of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis among women of reproductive age; elimination of Mother to Child transmission and treatment of Nigerian born with HIV/AIDS in the country.

Speaking at the event held at the Dome, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the programme being flagged-off in the South-West is very timely, well crafted and planned to provide a cutting edge for Nigeria, most especially at this period when most developing nations are experiencing anxiety and uncertainty over the decision of the United States of America to halt the provisions of aid and relief for people living were rp with HIV/AIDS.

He commended the the First Lady’s initiative, noting that her Renewed Hope Initiatives (RHI) is a testimony of her support and fight for the cause of women in Nigeria.

“The Renewed Hope Initiatives (RHI) which also encompasses the fight against the scourge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS and enhancing access to treatment for Nigerian children living with this deadly disease cannot but be fully embraced by all and sundry.

“Today’s ceremony, therefore, marks a reinforcement of the ideals of compassion, service and equity that define the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and your esteemed self which has continued to inspire millions of Nigerians, particularly our women and children.

The Governor stressed that with the campaign of the Triple Elimination Campaign, there’s hope that no woman will have to fear preventable diseases during pregnancy, hope that no child will inherit a burden that science has already conquered and hope that through sustainable partnerships among all levels of government in Nigeria.

In her address, Mrs Remi Tinubu noted that the goal of the campaign is to address the growing complexity in the resistance to the spread of HIV-AIDS in Africa, adding that Nigeria remains the country with the highest rate of HIV-AIDS in the Sahara and Africa due to its large population faces significant challenges. 

She stressed that the campaign will cover the six geopolitical zones of the nation.

She opined that the Free to Shine campaign seeks to significantly reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age to make mother-to-child transmission, which is also vertical transmission, and ensure that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive. 

“Experts highlight that hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C, causes a significant threat as it can lead to chronic liver disease and even liver cancer. It can result in discouraging stillbirths, congenital abnormalities, and in natal and infant deaths among other complications. 

“The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness, renew our commitment, and take collective  action against these diseases. This, I believe, aligns with our shared vision of a healthier Nigeria, where every individual can fully remain healthy and children can thrive in a healthier life.

“This vision is in line with the renewable agenda on health of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We focus on health as an essential pillar of development”. 

She urged traditional and faith-based institutions to address cultural  and religious influences in HIV prevention and treatment, especially those engaging with Hepatitis B.

In her remarks, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa appreciated Mrs Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to national building. She also appreciated her Renewed Hope Initiative, describing her as a caring mother.

She noted that the initiative marks a significant milestone in collective efforts made in the welfarism of the people of the State.

While assuring the First Lady that the fight against these diseases will be a collective efforts of Nigerians, particularly women, she expressed that those with HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B hold significant threat to women of reproductive age.

She called on relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the First Lady to make the society healthier and more meaningful.

An HIV survivor noted that having HIV is not a death sentence, adding that the magic is taking the necessary medications which suppresses the virus.

She stressed that she is suppressed and cannot infect anybody again. She urged everyone to shun stigmatisation.

In attendance were; Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, His wife, Mrs Abosede Adelami, State Chairman of APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin, first ladies from other States, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Political Appointees among others.