First Lady Urges Traditional Rulers To support Fight Against Female Genital Mutilation And Hepatitis B.
The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on traditional rulers across the country to support efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM), Hepatitis B, and other diseases that disproportionately affect women.
During her visit to Ondo State for the launch of the South West zone of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Tinubu highlighted several health concerns impacting Nigerian women, including HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B. She emphasised that the involvement of monarchs in awareness campaigns could significantly advance the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of these illnesses.
Speaking at the flag-off event, the First Lady reiterated her commitment to improving the health and well-being of women and girls, noting that such initiatives are central to national development.
“Ending female genital mutilation is also one of our key priorities. It is a harmful and outdated tradition built on myths. It does not stop promiscuity, as some believe. Instead, it destroys the lives of young girls,” she said.
As part of the initiative, Senator Tinubu announced that 10,000 professional kits—including crocs and scrubs—would be distributed to midwives and nurses in Ondo State. In addition, a grant of N50 million will be shared among 1,000 female traders to support their businesses and boost local economic growth.
She further explained that the Renewed Hope Initiative aims to promote healthier mothers, reduce HIV infections among women of reproductive age, eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and provide treatment for children born with the virus.
In his remarks, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised the initiative, noting that the distribution of professional kits would enhance the quality of maternal and child healthcare services across the state.
The governor’s wife, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, also commended Senator Tinubu’s dedication to uplifting women, stating, “Women’s economic empowerment is a critical driver of sustainable development, and your initiative will, no doubt, contribute to the achievement of our state’s economic development goals.”
The Renewed Hope Initiative continues to gain momentum as it rolls out across the country, with stakeholders hailing it as a timely and strategic intervention to improve the health and livelihoods of Nigerian women and girls.
