 |
| First Lady Tinubu addresses midwives in Asaba |
She said leaders must care for all citizens, no matter their party. She used simple words and clear ideas. She asked traditional rulers to join her vision.
Her call came during her Renewed Hope Initiative tour. This project sent 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the South-South zone . It aims to cut infant and maternal deaths across Nigeria.
Tinubu noted 60,470 health workers have training completed. RHI then supplied 60,000 scrubs and 60,000 pairs of Crocs to boost morale . She said tools matter as much as skills.
She spoke on unity in diversity. She said Nigeria’s strength lies in her many cultures. She asked citizens to see each other as partners. She said this at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba.
She called for peace and safety in all parts of the country. She said no one should fear travel within Nigeria. She prayed for better security so commerce and travel can thrive .
Tinubu praised traditional leaders for grassroots reach. She said they bridge rulers and people. She urged them to back health goals and her Renewed Hope Agenda.
Experts note Nigeria’s health stats need urgent action. Maternal death rates remain high at 512 per 100,000 births. Infant mortality sits at 67 per 1,000 births. Both exceed global targets .
Health advocates say low morale and poor tools affect care. Midwives work long hours with scarce supplies. Simple kits can improve hygiene and confidence.
Political analysts see a broader aim in her call. They say appeals for unity may boost national cohesion ahead of 2027 elections. Some warn party tensions can stall key projects.
Economists link unity to growth. They say political calm draws investors. Foreign direct investment dropped by 5% in 2024 amid unrest. A stable climate could reverse losses .
Civil society groups backed Tinubu’s message. A health NGO leader said shared goals help drive reforms. A youth group urged politicians to match words with action.
Tinubu added that the Renewed Hope Initiative spans all six zones. She plans next flag-off in Taraba for the North-East. Then North-West, North-Central, South-West will follow .
She said an anonymous global partner funds these kits. She thanked them for commitment to Nigeria’s health. She noted her first contact with them was at the 2023 UNGA and 2024 AU Summit.
Observers note the First Lady often uses health as a bridge. Her past Lagos State work focused on women and children. Now at the federal level, she aims for scale.
Analysts stress follow-through matters. They urge clear timelines for training more workers. They want data on kit use, impact on birth outcomes.
Some critics say calls for unity ring hollow until corruption and insecurity fall. They urge Tinubu to back her words with policies that curb banditry and graft.
Others say every leader should echo her words. They cite past outbreaks where unity helped contain crises. They point to the 2014 Ebola response as a win for shared purpose.
Grassroots voices praised her visit. A midwife in Asaba said the kits will cut infection risks. A local chief said the appeal to unity felt genuine.
Tinubu closed with faith in Nigeria’s future. She said each citizen must play a part. She voiced hope that safety, health, and growth will bloom from shared effort.
Her message is clear: party tags must not block progress. True growth needs united hands, aligned hearts, and steady action.