First Lady’s RHI distributes 10,000 professional kits to midwives, nurses in Southeast

No fewer than 10,000 midwives and nurses from the Southeast yesterday received professional kits from First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The equipment were distributed to the beneficiaries who cut across the five states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo as part of efforts to reduce infant and maternal mortality,  and morbidity in the country.
Also, 1,500 Enugu petty traders got N100 million  from the wife of the Enugu State governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, to boost their trade.
Senator Tinubu, who distributed the kits, including scrubs and crocs,  to the women at the International Conference Centre(ICC), Enugu, explained that 60,000 of such tools had been distributed  in the other five geo-political zones.
She said the goal is to provide midwives with the right equipment, encourage them in their work and improve healthcare delivery.
Senator Tinubu said: “We are here today to flag off the distribution of the professional kits which will be distributed among the five states in the Southeast zone.
“Since the initial launch in January 2025, we have distributed 50,000 professional kits in five zones, namely Northcentral, Northeast, Northwest, Southsouth, Southwest and today, we are in Enugu to distribute the remaining 10,000 kits for the Southeast, making this the sixth and last zone.
“I thank God that today, we’re concluding the distribution of these kits to every part of Nigeria. I’m very excited about that.”
The First Lady said the donation came   through the generous support of an anonymous global partner dedicated to improving health outcomes for citizens.
She stressed: “My first interaction with this partner was at the United Nations General Assembly in 2023, followed by a meeting at the African Union Summit in 2024.
“The donor is committed to supporting the organisation of African First Ladies for Development and the healthcare sector in Nigeria with a specific focus on reducing infant and maternal morbidity and mortality.”
Mrs. Tinubu unfolded plans to launch the Free to Shine campaign and the Triple Elimination Initiative today (yesterday) in Enugu,  targeting HIV/AIDS, syphilis, any hepatitis among women of reproductive age, to enhance the capacity of healthcare delivery
She said: “This initiative aims to promote healthier mothers, reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, eliminate mother – to – child transmission of HIV, which is also the vertical transmission and provide treatment for children born with HIV.”
The First Lady thanked Mrs Mbah for donating N100 million to 1, 500 women petty traders in the state.
She said: “The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) will be providing an additional grant of N50 million to the wife of the governor of Enugu State to support 1,000 women petty traders in Enugu State, with the sum of N50,000 each to recapitalise their existing businesses.
“Also another N50 million courtesy of Tony Elumelu Foundation to another 500 petty traders.”
Mrs. Tinubu, who commended Governor Peter Mbah and his wife for making the event a success, also lauded the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State, Dr. Ishiak Salako, for their partnership.
She added: “I also thank the executive director and CEO of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, and the entire workforce for their dedication, which focus on improving healthcare delivery for our citizens as an important pillar of development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Thanking the First Lady for her gestures, Mrs. Mbah,  said her “inspiring political career has been dedicated to improving the well-being of the masses and ensuring that no one feels left behind.”
She added that Senator Tinubu’s presence in Enugu only reaffirmed her commitment and endearing work ethic.
Mrs. Mbah said: “We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your selfless commitment to building an inclusive society, especially in the healthcare sector, as exemplified through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“This initiative has significantly impacted countless lives across our nation’s diverse geopolitical zones. Your noble endeavour has brought succour and hope to communities that have long yearned for such intervention.
“Here in Enugu State, we are profoundly grateful for the transformative outcomes of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“Midwives are at the front lines of maternal and child health. Empowering these important healthcare workers is crucial to the push to reduce maternal and under-five mortality rates radically.
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.
“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.”
She added: “Your Excellency, Enugu State is delighted to benefit from this generous and impactful intervention, which will certainly foster healthier outcomes for our mothers and newborns.
“We are thrilled by the impact these professional kits will have on our healthcare system. Research indicates that integrating a robust midwife workforce can prevent up to 41% of maternal deaths, 39 per cent of neo-natal deaths, and 26 per cent of stillbirths globally.
“This initiative is not just an investment in human capital; it’s an investment in the future of Enugu State and, indeed, the future of our great nation – Nigeria.
“It is noteworthy that Enugu State already has a comprehensive Strategic Health Development Plan focused on leadership, service delivery, human resources, health financing, and community engagement.”