Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a series of initiatives aimed at improving the health and economic well-being of women and girls across the country. During a recent visit to Ondo State, she emphasized the critical need for traditional rulers to support the eradication of female genital mutilation (FGM) and Hepatitis B, as well as other diseases affecting women.

Speaking in Akure, Senator Tinubu highlighted pressing health issues such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and syphilis, stressing that the support of traditional leaders is vital in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of these diseases. The First Lady's visit marked the commencement of the South West zone of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a program designed to uplift women and girls nationwide.

As part of the RHI, Senator Tinubu flagged off the distribution of 10,000 professional kits, including crocs and scrubs, to midwives and nurses in the state. Additionally, a N50 million grant was allocated to 1,000 female traders to boost their businesses. “Ending female genital mutilation is one of our key priorities. It is a harmful and outdated tradition built on myths. It does not stop promiscuity, as some believe. Instead, it destroys the lives of young girls,” she stated.

The First Lady also introduced the “Flow With Confidence” campaign to promote menstrual hygiene, with plans to distribute 10,000 sanitary pads in each state, focusing on rural areas. Efforts to boost food production are underway through initiatives like the Young Farmers’ Club and Women’s Gardening Initiative, supported by a N400 billion intervention fund from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised Senator Tinubu’s commitment to women's empowerment, noting that her efforts would significantly contribute to the state’s economic development goals and improve maternal and child healthcare. He said the distribution of professional kits would boost the morale of nurses and midwives, enhancing the quality of care provided to citizens.

In addition to the health initiatives, Senator Tinubu announced a grant of N50 million to support 1,000 women petty traders in Ondo State, providing N50,000 each to recapitalize their businesses. Furthermore, 200 women in textile production will receive materials and resources to support their businesses, including 400 bales of African fabric.

The First Lady also launched the Free to Shine campaign and the Triple Elimination Initiative, targeting HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age, to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers. Since its inception in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has provided targeted interventions in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health, and social investment to improve the lives of families across Nigeria.

During her address, Senator Tinubu expressed gratitude to an anonymous global partner for their generous support in improving health outcomes for citizens. She highlighted that the donor is committed to supporting the organization of African First Ladies for Development and the healthcare sector in Nigeria, with a specific focus on reducing infant and maternal morbidity and mortality.

However, amidst these positive initiatives, an incident occurred where a seven-year-old girl was killed in Akure. While initial reports suggested the vehicle was part of the First Lady’s convoy, the Ondo State Police Command clarified that the accident was caused by a hit-and-run driver in an unregistered white Lexus vehicle. The police are conducting a full investigation into the incident.