In a major boost to Nigeria’s healthcare sector, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has launched the distribution of 10,000 professional kits for midwives under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)—a project aimed at supporting frontline healthcare workers.
The flag-off ceremony for the North-West geopolitical zone took place in Kaduna State, with the First Ladies of all seven states in attendance. The initiative, which will benefit midwives across Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, is part of a larger nationwide plan to equip healthcare professionals with the right tools to enhance maternal and child healthcare.
Addressing the audience, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the critical role of midwives in reducing maternal and child mortality rates, emphasizing that their work goes beyond skill and compassion—it also requires proper tools and support.
“I am honored to officially launch the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the North-West states,” she announced. “This initiative complements the Federal Government’s retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide, of which 59,570 have already completed their training.”
As an incentive to boost morale, the RHI has procured 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 pairs of Crocs, ensuring that midwives have both comfort and professional gear to perform their duties effectively.
A Nationwide Effort
The First Lady revealed that every geopolitical zone would receive an equal share of the kits. “The North-Central zone received its allocation in January during my visit to Kwara State. Today, we are in Kaduna, and next, the South-South will benefit from this initiative,” she confirmed.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, praised the First Lady’s efforts, stating that Nigeria’s healthcare sector was experiencing a positive transformation, particularly in maternal and child health.
Bridging the Healthcare Gap
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to closing healthcare accessibility gaps, particularly for pregnant women and mothers. “With initiatives like this, we are making strides toward bringing our healthcare system closer to global standards,” he said, urging midwives to focus on improving service delivery and timely referrals for complicated cases.
In a surprise announcement, Mrs. Tinubu also extended support to 1,000 petty traders, awarding each a N50,000 grant to help expand their businesses. The initiative, she explained, aligns with the broader goal of uplifting women and strengthening local economies.
With this initiative gaining momentum, Nigeria’s midwives are not just getting essential tools—they’re gaining renewed hope in their mission to save lives.
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