By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has awarded a ₦50 million grant to empower 1,000 women petty traders in Kaduna State under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The symbolic cheque was presented on Monday at the Umaru Yar’Adua Conference Centre through Hasfat Uba Sani, wife of the Kaduna State Governor and RHI state coordinator.
In addition to the grant, Senator Tinubu flagged off the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives across the North-West states of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
The professional kits, comprising 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of crocs, were donated by a global partner who requested anonymity. The kits were handed over to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for distribution to midwives in the region.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Healthcare System
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu noted that the initiative is aimed at supporting 120,000 frontline health workers as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing retraining program for midwives nationwide.
She emphasized that each of the six geopolitical zones will receive 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of crocs, adding that the North-Central Zone had received its allocation during her January 29, 2025, visit to Kwara State.
“Today, we are in Kaduna to distribute the kits to the North-West Zone. By the grace of God, the next zone to benefit will be the South-South,” she announced.
Highlighting the Renewed Hope Initiative’s contributions since its inception in 2023, the First Lady reiterated that RHI has provided interventions in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health, and social investment to improve Nigerian families’ well-being.
Governor Uba Sani Commends First Lady’s Initiative
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani praised Senator Tinubu’s commitment to improving maternal healthcare, noting that maternal mortality remains a major challenge in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas with limited access to healthcare services.
He emphasized the crucial role of midwives and nurses in providing maternal care, adding that the welfare of healthcare workers must be prioritized.
“The presentation of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the North-West could not have come at a better time. Midwives work in environments where cleanliness and infection control are critical. Wearing scrubs and crocs provides a protective barrier against harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses,” he stated.
Governor Sani further disclosed that the Kaduna State Government is investing in the health sector by recruiting 100 ad-hoc midwives and upgrading 290 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) with modern equipment.
“This has led to a modest drop in maternal and child mortality figures. In 2025, we plan to upgrade and equip 255 more PHCs to Level-2 status, with 143 PHCs already undergoing revitalization,” he added.
The ₦50 million grant and professional kits distribution reinforce the First Lady’s commitment to economic empowerment and improved healthcare services, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
