The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, says robust and positive collaborations and partnerships are viable sources of hope for families across Nigeria.
She was speaking at the 12th edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee Meeting held in Banjul, Gambia.
The First Lady, who reiterated some of the achievements of her Renewed Hope Initiative, noted that the programme continues to give hope to families across Nigeria, focusing on education, health, economic empowerment, social investment and agriculture.
“These programs are to complement the efforts of the administration of my husband, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, towards a better life for the Nigerian families. In health, RHI has so far donated the naira equivalent of $2 million to support advocacy and treatment for cervical cancer and tuberculosis as part of our commitment to eliminate both diseases by 2030, amongst other health interventions in collaboration with local and international partners.
“In education, we have provided annual scholarships to 47 indigent students in universities for three consecutive years. Additionally, 1500 scholarships have been awarded to indigent students in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees,” she disclosed.
Mrs Tinubu further stated that these collaborations and partnerships have continued to have success stories across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.
Interventions
She commended the CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator Rasha Kelej, for the various interventions of the Foundation, which include 14 scholarships for a one-year diploma in fertility and embryology and a one-year master’s degree in sexual and reproductive care, women’s health and family medicine to some Nigerian doctors.
“The interventions also include 40 scholarships for one-year diploma and two-year master’s degree in diabetes and endocrinology, preventive cardiovascular, cardiology and obesity and weight management, three scholarships for oncology research, medical oncology and pain management,” she added.
The First Lady expressed the hope that the collaboration could be expanded.
The meeting had various First Ladies speak about various interventions as regards women’s and children’s health and education.
They include the host, the First Lady of Gambia, as well as those of São Tomé, the Central African Republic, Burundi and Senegal.
The Merck Foundation and the Renewed Hope Initiative have consistently shared their visions for a healthier, better-educated and more empowered Nigeria in particular and Africa as a whole.