………..We’ll continue to place priority on women’s welfare, empowerment, devt – Gov Aiyedatiwa

By Precious Oluwole

In a bid to enhance vitality in Nigeria, the first Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday, launched the Renewed Hope initiatives for Southwest Region, starting with Ondo State.

The event focused on the presentation of 10,000 professional kits (Scrubs and Crocs) to Nurses and Midwives in the South West geopolitical zone of the country.

Speaking at the event held at the Dome, Mrs Tinubu noted that the initiative is to compliment the Federal government’s efforts and to improve the lives of the citizens of Nigeria. She added that other geo-political Zones have benefitted from the Renewed Hope Initiative.

She added that it is to each to encourage the nurses and midwives to thank them for the good jobs they’ve been doing.

She revealed that a sum of 50 million will be presented to Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa as grant to empower women across the State.

In the spirit of the event, 200 women in textile industry would also be empowered.

She appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritising women’s welfare and for including women in his cabinet.

In his address, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa appreciated the first lady for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting the healthcare workers through the distribution of professional kits to Nurses and Midwives in Ondo State.

He added that the thoughtful gesture will have a profound impact on the lives of the citizens of the State, particularly in the area of maternal and child health, stressing that the initiative is a timely and strategic intervention that will, definitely, contribute to the achievement of Ondo State’s health development goals.

“The provision of these kits will not only boost the morale of our Nurses and Midwives but also enhance the quality of care they provide to our citizens.

“We are also grateful for Your Excellency’s commitment to uplifting the living standard of our women through various empowerment programmes, which includes, among others, the release of millions of Naira to support hundreds of traders. This initiative will, indeed, provide a significant boost to the economic empowerment of women in our State.

“Women’s economic empowerment is a critical driver of sustainable development and your initiative will, no doubt, contribute to the achievement of our State’s economic development goals.

“To the direct recipients/beneficiaries of today’s event, our Nurses and Midwives — the heroes in our Hospitals and Clinics — these professional kits are not mere tools; they are a mark of appreciation for your sacrifice and an investment in your continued service to humanity”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that his administration shall continue to place priority on the welfare, empowerment and development of women in Ondo State, irrespective of their affiliations. “We are ensuring that the plight of our women are given the needed attention, particularly the less privileged with a view to giving them necessary support to blossom in their various endeavours.

“In addition, we are putting in place a range of programmes aimed at promoting the welfare of persons with disabilities, including skills acquisition programmes and access to assistive devices. We are also establishing initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare of the elderly, including the provision of geriatric care services and support for elderly persons.

“Our administration is committed to building a society that is inclusive, equitable and just for all. We are also appointing women to positions in the State Executive Council and other sensitive positions where they have proved their mettle like their male counterparts.

The Governor appreciated President Tinubu for his unfeigned love for Ondo State and for the numerous Federal Government projects being implemented.

In her remarks, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa appreciated Mrs Tinubu for launching the Renewed Hope Initiative for the SouthWest in Ondo State, adding that the Renewed Hope Initiative Programme (RHI) will complement the Federal Government’s on-going efforts to ensure that quality healthcare system is accessible to all women and vulnerable in the Country.

She appreciated her for recognising that the demands of the health profession require not only skills and compassion but also the right tools and kits to encourage the midwives as they serve others, noting that the incentives will go a long way to encourage, inspire and support the dedicated midwives and reduce infant mortality and morbidity in the Country.

She urged the beneficiaries to see this as a call to serve, bringing hope and care to mothers, newborns and the vulnerable across the region. “You should strive to justify these benefits by working hard to ensure improved health outcomes in our Country, Nigeria”.

Mrs Tinubu had earlier visited the traditional rulers in the State at the Ondo State Council of Obas’ Secretariat, where she was received warmly with royalty.

Addressing the Monarchs, she revealed that her reason for being in Ondo State is to ensure that people of the State benefit from the renewed hope initiatives.

She reaffirmed her commitment to improving public health through her Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at combating diseases such as syphilis, hepatitis B, mother-to-child transmission of infections, and cervical cancer, among others.

She urged the traditional rulers to act as agents of change by discouraging harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation.

She also highlighted other components of the Renewed Hope Initiative, including alternative schooling programs for women in every state, scholarship awards, distribution of exercise books to students, food outreach programs, and support for people living with disabilities and the elderly across the country.

Reacting the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and the Olowo of Owo, Ọba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, represented by the Deji of Akure Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi,expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s visit and pledged the support of the traditional rulers for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

In attendance were; Ondo First Lady, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, His wife, Mrs Abosede Adelami, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by Hon. Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu, member representing Ilaje Constituency 2, 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, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philips, Political Appointees, Traditional rulers, among others.