Oluremi Tinubu unveils various projects as First Lady’s official visit to Kwara enters Day 2
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has described the Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq as an outstanding leader and amazing achiever who has done exceptionally well for his people.
The president’s wife made the remark on Wednesday at the groundbreaking ceremony of the old civil service clinic, now Oluremi Tinubu Hospital.
Speaking at the distribution of professional kits for midwives, Senator Tinubu commended the Governor and his wife for the top-quality hospitality accorded her and her entourage.
She said, “This is the standard we want to see in other states. This is truly amazing. Everything we have seen is of very good quality. Despite the short notice, the hospitality is amazing, and I want other First Ladies to copy this as a template.”
Speaking on the kits presented to midwives, she said: “This is to complement the ongoing federal government’s retraining exercise of 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide. I am informed that the 54,346,000 health workers have already completed their training, and that is why the Renewed Hope Initiatives (RHI) procured 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 crocs as incentives to encourage and support the tireless dedication of our midwives,” she said.
“All the six geopolitical zones will be receiving 10,000 crocs and 10,000 scrubs to be shared among the states in the region. We will be visiting other states for the allocation of these items.
“Tomorrow, by the grace of God, I will be launching the free to shine and triple elimination campaigns of HIV, Hepatitis and Syphilis also here in Kwara state.”
Joined by the wife of Vice President Nana Shettima, Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman, his wife Amb. Olufolake Abdulrazaq and several other first ladies from across the country, Mrs Tinubu also launched General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover in Ilorin — a gesture the widow of the no-nonsense late general Cecilia Idiagbon said was memorable and reflective of Governor Abdulrazaq’s respect for history.
The First Lady then officially opened the Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover in downtown Ilorin — named after the revered Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs.
The General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover is 562m long, while the Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover stretches across 457.4 metres — both of them adding to the road networks, which reduce travel time and the aesthetics of the capital city.
However, Senator Tinubu also visited the Innovation Hub, a facility that is designed to be Kwara’s version of Silicon Valley to raise generations of techies and build skills that resolve local developmental challenges.
“I am so, so glad with what I have seen. This is truly amazing, and I am going back home to tell the President what I have seen. You (Governor) are a man truly in love with your people. You have really done so well,” she said.
She added, “What I have seen here is borne out of a clear dream about where the Governor wants his people to be. This dream is coming alive… We can stay here forever. You have enough projects to showcase, and I am indeed very proud of you.”
Senator Tinubu also visited Sugar Factory Film Studio, another legacy project of the Abdulrazaq administration, wrapping up the day’s activities.
In his remarks, the Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq commended the First Lady for the humanitarian gestures, saying: “The kits will not only ensure that our health workers are well-equipped to perform their duties but also send a strong message of solidarity and hope to those who are devoted to protecting the health of our mothers and children.
“These dedicated men and women deserve our full support, and this gesture by Her Excellency is a clear reflection of the commitment to their welfare and safety.”
Also speaking, the wife of the state governor, Mrs AbdulRazaq, said the initiative by the First Lady exemplifies her commitment to the welfare and professionalism of midwives across the nation and praised her for her service to humanity.
“We are confident that these kits will significantly enhance the quality of maternal and child healthcare services in our zone,” she said.
Minister of State for Health Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako said midwives play vital roles in preventing maternal and perinatal death and are most times the only skilled health professionals available in communities.
Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, who highlighted some of the agency’s achievements, said the professional kits will strengthen the work of the midwives while applauding the First Lady’s strong support for maternal health.
All the events were attended by dignitaries from across the state and beyond, including Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi and his wife Abieyuwa; federal and state parliamentarians such as Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu, Senator Sadiq Umar, Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya; cabinet members; heads of government agencies and parastatals; party leaders; clerics; and community leaders.
