Tag: Renewed Hope Initiative

Posted on by — Leave a comment

First Lady launches N2.55bn menstrual health initiative in Imo

Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday in Owerri, launched a menstrual health intervention, themed “Flow with Confidence,” under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is aimed at achieving a one-year supply of sanitary pads to 370,000 schoolgirls in rural communities nationwide.

The RHI procured the customised disposable sanitary pads, worth N2.5 billion, from a local company, Uniglory Nigeria Ltd., to promote domestic production.

Speaking at the launch in Owerri, the First Lady emphasised that the intervention aimed at ensuring that no girl should miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products.”

Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the Wife of Imo Governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodinma, said it was unacceptable that girls missed classes due to menstrual issues.

“The programme is critical because girls in rural areas miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads, leading to them falling behind or dropping out.

“Each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will receive 10,000 packs of the pads for distribution to deserving girls in rural communities, with the goal of supporting their education.

“The initiative believes that no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu, who stressed the link between menstrual health and academic success, said the programme’s success required community ownership.

The First Lady specifically appealed to Local Government Area chairmen to take ownership of the intervention to ensure supplies reached the right beneficiaries.

She stressed that the pads were not to be sold under any circumstances and urged traditional and religious leaders to monitor the distribution exercise in their communities.

The programme launched simultaneously in eight states: Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, and Lagos, with other states set to follow upon receiving their supplies.

Mrs Tinubu charged the beneficiaries to stay in school, study hard, support one another, and never allow shame or stigma to take away their confidence.

Earlier in a lecture, a Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, Dr Emily Akuabia-Nzeribe, said the programme would empower women, enhance environmental sustainability and support vulnerable communities.

Akuabia-Nzeribe, who spoke on menstruation confidence, advised secondary school girls present at the event to maintain healthy hygiene and not be ashamed.

She explained that menstruation came with physical, social, economic, and psychological burdens.

“The physical boarding could come with some health risks and infections, as well as infertility, if not properly managed.

“For the social burden, it comes with stigmas, discrimination and bullying,” she said.

The consultant noted that RHI was more focused on treating the economic burden that came with menstruation.

“The economic burden of period poverty occurs among many young girls, who cannot go to school because they do not have the appropriate menstrual product to use.

“Some of them stay at home because their parents cannot afford the right menstrual products they need.

“This is the problem the renewed hope initiative is trying to solve and we must be grateful for that,” she added.

NAN reports that the programme was themed: “Empowering School Girls through Menstrual Health.” (Vanguard)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Tinubu, Shettima, govs celebrate First Lady at 65

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday led tributes as his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, clocked 65, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima, governors, lawmakers and prominent Nigerians extolling her as a symbol of strength, compassion, and service to the nation.

In a moving midnight tribute, the President described his wife as his confidant, counsellor, and steady anchor through decades of political struggle and public service.

“As you celebrate your 65th birthday today, I honour not only the love of my life, but also a woman whose quiet strength and enduring grace have been my steadying anchor,” Tinubu wrote.

He praised her sacrifices during years of political exile and leadership challenges, adding that her support amounted to national service.

“Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know,” he said.

The First Lady had earlier announced that she would dedicate her birthday to raising funds for the completion of Nigeria’s long-delayed National Library project in Abuja.

She urged well-wishers to donate to an “Oluremi@65 Education Fund”.

Vice-President Shettima, in his message, lauded Mrs Tinubu as a “symbol of womanhood, strength, and compassion,” describing her as a mother of the nation whose quiet resilience has touched millions.

 “When the history of this administration is written, her name will be inscribed in gold,” he said.

From the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, joined in the celebration.

Akpabio hailed the First Lady as “a pillar of love and strength to her husband, the less privileged and the nation at large,” while Barau described her as a patriot whose contributions to nation-building have spanned decades—from her New Era Foundation in Lagos to her 12 years in the Senate and now through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

State governors also paid glowing tributes.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called her “a great ambassador of our dear state,” praising her philanthropy and public service.

Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji said she remained “a special gift to the nation and a pillar of support to the President.”

Kogi’s Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo branded her “an Amazon and a source of inspiration to millions,” while Delta’s Governor Sheriff Oborevwori commended her empowerment programmes as “a beacon of hope for vulnerable citizens.”

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, though of the opposition PDP, joined the chorus of praise, describing Mrs Tinubu as “an incredible woman of unimaginable importance” who championed women’s rights during her three terms in the Senate.

Other political figures, including Kano NNPP chieftain Musa Kwankwaso and NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji, also showered encomiums, calling her a virtuous woman of integrity and humility.

Born on September 21, 1960, Oluremi Tinubu first came into national prominence as Lagos State First Lady (1999–2007), where she established the New Era Foundation.

She later represented Lagos Central in the Senate for 12 years before becoming Nigeria’s First Lady in May 2023.

Over the years, she has tied her advocacy to education, women’s empowerment and youth development, most recently through her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has launched programmes to support widows, empower small-scale farmers, and provide scholarships and food palliatives to families. (Punch)