Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu began her two-day working visit to Enugu State on a high note by launching the distribution of 10,000 kits to midwives and nurses in the South-East yesterday. 

This event marked the final phase of a nationwide distribution of 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 pairs of crocs across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The distribution is intended to complement an ongoing nationwide training exercise for 120,000 frontline health workers, of which 60,470 have already completed their training. 

During the event at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, Mrs. Tinubu remarked, “Since the initial launch in January 2025, we have distributed 50,000 scrubs and 50,000 pairs of crocs to five geopolitical zones: North-Central, North-East, North-West, South-South, and South-West. 

"The Renewed Hope Initiative recognizes that the demands of the health profession require not only skill and compassion but also the right tools and kits to empower our midwives as they serve others. I officially hand over these professional kits, which include 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of crocs, to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for onward distribution to our midwives in the South-East zone.”

Additionally, Mrs. Tinubu announced a grant to support female petty traders in the state, stating, “In the spirit of today’s event, the Renewed Hope Initiative will be presenting an additional grant of N50 million to the First Lady of Enugu State, with N50,000 each to support 1,000 women petty traders in Enugu State to recapitalize their existing businesses.” 

Earlier in the day, the First Lady visited the House of Chiefs at the Enugu State House of Assembly Complex, where she spoke about the Renewed Hope Initiative and advocated for national unity. Mrs. Tinubu expressed that the country’s diversity and differences should be viewed as blessings that can be harnessed to build a strong, safe, and prosperous Nigeria. 

She also acknowledged traditional rulers as vital partners in governance at the grassroots level and urged them to align with her vision of promoting the health and well-being of their communities by supporting her campaigns against cervical cancer, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and Female Genital Mutilation. She stated, “As leaders, we have a responsibility to care for all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.

"Nigeria is a beautiful country, and no one should be deterred from visiting any part of it. We pray for improved security so that Nigeria can reach a place of safety.” 

Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah praised Mrs. Tinubu’s efforts, emphasizing that empowering midwives symbolizes sanitation, professionalism, respect, and renewed public trust in the healthcare system. 

Mbah described Mrs. Tinubu as the modern-day Florence Nightingale for her responsiveness to urgent health issues. He also commended President Tinubu, stating, “His goodwill and love are appreciated; he embodies courage and dedication.”

Addressing the beneficiaries, he asserted, “Your kits matter because you matter, and your work matters.” He added that the state is intensifying the training of health workers to combat the brain drain affecting the sector. Mbah announced, “In response to the brain drain that has strained our healthcare workforce, we have taken decisive steps, a key one being the successful elevation of our School of Nursing to collegiate status. This means the Enugu State College of Nursing Sciences, with four campuses, can graduate 3,000 nurses annually.

"This is not just a statistic; it is a strategic, bold step in rebuilding the foundation of our healthcare system.” 

In her remarks, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, wife of the Enugu State Governor, commended the First Lady for her substantial impact on Nigerian society through the Renewed Hope Initiative. She expressed, “The Renewed Hope Initiative has significantly affected countless lives across our nation’s diverse geopolitical zones. Your noble endeavor has brought relief and hope to communities that have long awaited such intervention. 

"Here in Enugu State, we are profoundly grateful for the transformative outcomes of the Renewed Hope Initiative.” 

At another event held at the popular Michael Okpara Square in Enugu on the same day, the First Lady’s efforts were represented by the Vice President’s wife, Nana Shettima, who distributed food items to vulnerable community members. She praised the hard work and commitment of President Bola Tinubu and the dedication of Mrs. Tinubu in striving to improve Nigeria.