• We’re fully prepared to host First Lady, says Ondo govt
• ‘15 state First Ladies expected during visit’

In a move to further bolster healthcare delivery in the country, the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will tomorrow, April 18, 2025, distribute professional kits to no fewer than 10,000 midwives and nurses across the South-West region.

Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Oluwaseun Osamaye, who disclosed this, yesterday, said that the initiative, under the Free to Shine campaign and the Triple Elimination Initiative that are targeting HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age in the state, would enhance the capacity of healthcare workers and also improve maternal and child health services, not only in the state but also across the South-West region.

According to Osamaye, during a media briefing to herald the two-day visit of the First Lady, some projects and programmes will be launched.

The governor’s aide, who further stated that 200 women will be trained in textile production, stressed that the state is prepared to welcome the President’s wife and that the intervention will reach the intended beneficiaries.

She said: “The ‘Free to Shine’ programme will also be launched. Both events will be held at the International Events Centre, The Dome, Alagbaka, Akure. We wish to reiterate that Her Excellency’s impactful interventions across the country are well acknowledged, highly commended, and significant to the progress of our nation.

“As a state, we have benefited from several of her initiatives, including the educational support programme, which offers scholarships to indigent students. We have also benefited from the elderly support programme by providing cash empowerment for senior citizens, and the women in the cultural support empowerment programme. Additionally, the youth empowerment programme has benefited many of our young people.

“At least over 1,000 individuals have received training and cash grants. Some of our secondary school students have been inducted into the Young Farmers Club, as well as pupils in primary schools.

“Furthermore, one of our women won second place in the ‘Every Home a Garden’ national contest, which helped to identify and empower women practising home gardening. We’ve also seen local customers’ support and empowered them further.”