Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives across the Southeast states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, and Enugu.
The event, held in Enugu, also marked the flag-off of the “Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign” targeting HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. According to the First Lady, the campaign is aimed at healthier motherhood and the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
The distribution of kits—comprising medical scrubs and Crocs—falls under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and aligns with the federal government’s ongoing retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide.
Senator Tinubu disclosed that over 60,000 health workers have completed their retraining, and 60,000 kits are being distributed across the country as part of a broader incentive to enhance healthcare delivery. Of this number, 50,000 kits have already been delivered to other regions since January 2025, while the remaining 10,000 are now being deployed to the Southeast.
In addition to the healthcare boost, the First Lady announced a N100 million support package for women petty traders in Enugu State. Through the RHI, 1,000 women will receive grants of N50,000 each, while another 500 will benefit from a N50 million fund provided by the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
Senator Tinubu commended Governor Peter Mbah, his wife Nkechinyere Mbah, and key stakeholders for their commitment to advancing health and economic support systems in the region.
Speaking earlier, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah said the empowerment of midwives is a vital step in reducing maternal and child mortality.
“The distribution of 10,000 professional kits—comprising scrubs and Crocs—to our dedicated midwives across every zone is a significant boost to strengthening our healthcare system,” she said.
She praised the First Lady for walking the talk: “This thoughtful gesture is a powerful affirmation of the value and dignity we place on our healthcare professionals. You haven’t simply voiced your ideals, Ma; you have also put them into action. This is a true reflection of transformative leadership.”
