In a remarkable effort to improve maternal healthcare and support frontline health workers, the Renewed Hope Initiative has commenced a nationwide program distributing 10,000 professional kits—comprising scrubs and Crocs—to midwives across all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The initiative, led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is designed to elevate the morale, safety, and efficiency of midwives who are at the forefront of maternal and child care.
This health initiative is not just a symbolic gesture—it is a practical step toward reinforcing the healthcare system, especially in maternal and neonatal care. With midwives playing a critical role in ensuring safe deliveries and the health of mothers and newborns, the support is both timely and essential.
A Warm Welcome from Taraba State’s First Lady
Welcoming guests during the North East Zonal launch of the initiative in Jalingo, Taraba State’s First Lady, Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas, expressed her appreciation and pride in hosting such a momentous event. Her words celebrated the tireless commitment of midwives and underlined the importance of supporting their work.
“With immense joy and a deep sense of purpose, I welcome you all to this important gathering—a moment dedicated to honoring our hardworking midwives,” she said. “This initiative signifies our collective resolve to elevate the dignity and working conditions of midwives across the country.”
She further described midwives as “guardians of maternal health and pillars of their communities,” emphasizing the need for better resources and support to enable them to carry out their duties more effectively. Mrs. Kefas expressed hope that the professional kits would not only ease the daily tasks of these healthcare professionals but also remind them of their value to society.
Commitment to National Health Goals
Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), also delivered remarks at the event. He explained that the distribution of the kits to midwives in the North East was the fourth phase of Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s zonal contributions under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
He said, “This is part of her broader vision to provide universal access to health for all Nigerians. These donations directly align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality across the country.”
Dr. Aina affirmed that similar donations have already been carried out in the North Central, North West, and South South zones. Early assessments, he noted, have shown that the initiative is beginning to yield positive outcomes in terms of motivation and better service delivery by health workers.
Support from the Federal Ministry of Health
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, commended the initiative and praised the First Lady for her commitment to healthcare improvement. Representing himself and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, he noted that the efforts were indicative of genuine concern for the health and welfare of Nigerian citizens.
“In addition to this gesture for midwives,” he said, “Her Excellency has made significant contributions to the fight against tuberculosis (TB) and cervical cancer. We particularly appreciate the nearly two billion naira she personally donated to support TB programs, and her continuous advocacy for improved healthcare.”
Prof. Pate stressed that the Federal Ministry of Health sees this initiative as a crucial complement to its ongoing reforms and investment in healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots level.
A Proud Moment for Taraba State
The Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, welcomed the First Lady and her delegation with warmth and appreciation. Speaking at the launch, he expressed his joy that Taraba was selected to host the North East Zonal event.
“This is a moment of great significance for Taraba State,” he said. “We are proud to be part of a campaign that seeks to eliminate HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age and children.”
Governor Kefas said that the initiative resonates deeply with his administration’s five-finger development agenda, particularly its emphasis on healthcare and social welfare. “Through efforts like this, the dying hope of our people is being restored. We see in this work the spirit of service, humility, and love—values that we must all strive to uphold.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu: Visionary Leadership in Action
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady and National Chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative, officially flagged off the North East Zonal distribution in Taraba State. She expressed her delight at visiting the state for the first time and described Taraba as “nature’s gift to the nation.”
In her keynote remarks, she explained that the initiative complements the federal government’s ongoing retraining program for over 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide.
“To date, 60,470 healthcare workers have completed their training,” she said. “That is why the Renewed Hope Initiative procured 60,000 pairs of Crocs and 60,000 sets of scrubs to motivate and support midwives across the six geopolitical zones.”
Senator Tinubu added that each zone would receive 10,000 kits, ensuring equitable distribution across the country. The next phase of the distribution, she announced, would take place in Ondo State for the South West Zone.
A Global Partnership for a Local Cause
Senator Tinubu revealed that the donation was made possible through the support of an anonymous global partner who prefers to remain unnamed. She first engaged with the partner during the 2023 United Nations General Assembly and continued discussions at the 2024 African Union Summit.
“This partner is committed to supporting the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and has a particular interest in improving maternal health in Nigeria,” she noted. “Their support is focused on reducing infant and maternal mortality and ensuring better health outcomes for women and children.”
Looking Ahead: Free to Shine Campaign
As part of the broader health intervention, Senator Tinubu also announced the launch of the “Free to Shine” triple elimination campaign, which targets the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women and children. The campaign aims to eliminate mother-to-child transmission and ensure timely treatment for affected children.
“This campaign represents another pillar of our health intervention strategy,” she said. “We want healthier mothers, safer births, and a generation of children free from these preventable diseases.”
A Growing Impact
Since its inception in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has implemented several targeted interventions in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health, and social investment. These efforts are all designed to improve the lives of families across Nigeria.
The distribution of professional kits to midwives, while seemingly modest, symbolizes a renewed national commitment to the health sector. It acknowledges the indispensable role of midwives and frontline health workers and aims to equip them for success.
As the Renewed Hope Initiative continues to roll out programs across the country, it sets a new standard for collaborative, citizen-focused governance and development—rooted in compassion, equity, and strategic action.
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