Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to affordable and accessible healthcare, particularly for underserved communities in the Niger Delta.
Speaking on Thursday at the launch of a health insurance scheme for vulnerable groups and the commissioning of a cottage hospital in Otuasega, Bayelsa State, she emphasized the Federal Government’s focus on improving healthcare access and reducing mortality rates.
The event, hosted by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), also marked the flag-off of the NDDC’s 2025 free medical outreach and the donation of medical equipment to health facilities in the region.
Extending Healthcare and Social Support Across the Region
Senator Tinubu highlighted that the initiative covers all nine Niger Delta states—Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Imo, Abia, and Ondo—with Bayelsa as the host state for the launch.
“The collaboration between NDDC and RHI, which began in 2024, aims to drive sustainable development by empowering communities and improving lives,” she said, emphasizing its alignment with the Renewed Hope Initiative’s vision for better family welfare.
Beyond healthcare, she outlined the educational and financial empowerment programs already benefiting thousands across the region.
- Educational Support: Over 45,000 preloaded educational tablets and textbooks have been distributed to students in urban and rural communities.
- Internship Stipends: The NDDC/RHI internship scheme is providing N50,000 monthly stipends to 500 beneficiaries in each state for a year, in partnership with the offices of state first ladies.
- Medical Outreach: Conducted quarterly, this outreach brings specialized healthcare services directly to communities, addressing maternal and child health and promoting preventive care.
Boosting Emergency Healthcare Infrastructure
As part of the initiative, 11 fully equipped ambulances have been donated to strengthen healthcare delivery and emergency response in the region. Each NDDC state will receive one ambulance, while Bayelsa and Delta will receive two each.
“These initiatives reflect the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in education, healthcare, and social investment, ensuring a healthier, more educated, and empowered population,” the First Lady added.
Stakeholders Commend Federal Government’s Commitment
NDDC Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to developmental projects in health, education, and social services, emphasizing the strong partnership with RHI.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, praised the Federal Government’s investment in infrastructure, particularly road projects connecting coastal communities, which he described as vital to regional growth.
With initiatives spanning healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, the NDDC-RHI partnership continues to shape a more resilient and sustainable future for the Niger Delta.