Insights sourced by YEPS News reveal that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her dedication to women’s empowerment, healthcare improvement, and gender equality during the 29th General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking at the high-profile gathering, she highlighted key initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), including the procurement of 60,000 professional kits—comprising scrubs and crocs—for midwives. This move, backed by an anonymous donor, is aimed at supporting the Federal Government’s ongoing retraining of 120,000 health workers to combat infant and maternal mortality rates.
“As part of our commitment to strengthening healthcare, we secured 60,000 professional kits to encourage and support our midwives, recognizing their tireless dedication to saving lives,” Tinubu stated.
Reports gathered by YEPS News confirm that the First Lady recently launched the distribution of these kits, starting with 10,000 units in Nigeria’s North Central zone during a visit to Kwara State on January 29, 2025. She assured that the initiative will be expanded to other regions in the coming months.
Fighting HIV/AIDS and Promoting Gender Equality
With Nigeria carrying the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, Tinubu also announced the launch of the Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign on January 30, 2025. The initiative seeks to reduce new HIV infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission, and enhance sexual and reproductive health services.
She further emphasized the need for strategic partnerships to advance gender equality, highlighting OAFLAD’s theme for the year—“Building on Beijing: First Ladies Championing Women’s Leadership and Rights through African Heritage.”
“This marks three decades since the Beijing Declaration, and we can see the incredible progress Nigerian women have made, from villages to the global stage, excelling in education, health, technology, business, and politics,” she said.
Despite these achievements, YEPS News reports that the First Lady acknowledged persistent challenges such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, gender-based violence, and the fight for improved healthcare access.
Environmental Awareness and Future Commitments
In addition to health and gender initiatives, Tinubu revealed her plans to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of the Environment to enhance climate awareness among young people in secondary schools and higher institutions. This will be done through the re-launch of the Environment Climate Change Club.
As a newly appointed member of OAFLAD’s steering committee, Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for policies and programs that close gender gaps, boost youth empowerment, and strengthen economic opportunities for women.
“As we move forward with #WeAreEqualInAction, I remain dedicated to mobilizing resources and fostering partnerships to build a stronger future for Nigerian women and youth,” she declared.
YEPS News confirms that 13 African First Ladies attended the event, with additional representatives from eight nations. Other prominent speakers included Minata Cessouma, the outgoing Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development at the African Union Commission; Prof. Senait Fisseha, Vice President of Global Programs at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation; and Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS.
Discussions at the assembly stressed the urgent need to bridge Africa’s $16 billion funding gap in women’s development, tackle gender-based violence, and create more opportunities for women across the continent.
With these efforts, YEPS News continues to track developments as Nigeria and other African nations work towards achieving OAFLAD’s 2025-2030 strategic goals.