Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for free treatment programs for HIV/AIDS patients across the country. She made this appeal on Tuesday during her visit to the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council in Asaba, emphasizing the urgent need to combat the disease, especially among young people.
Speaking at the gathering, Tinubu urged traditional rulers to champion health advocacy, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS and female genital mutilation (FGM). She also introduced the “Flow with Confidence” initiative, a program providing free sanitary pads to girls in rural areas to prevent school absenteeism due to menstruation.
Additionally, the First Lady disclosed that she had secured major funding for tuberculosis treatment and reaffirmed her commitment to improving healthcare through donations and advocacy efforts.
Support for Midwives and HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign
Welcoming the First Lady, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori commended her dedication to healthcare. As part of her Renewed Hope Initiative, she donated 10,000 professional kits (Crocs and Scrubs) to midwives in the South-South region. The program had previously been launched in North-Central and North-West Nigeria, with Delta serving as the starting point for the Niger Delta region.
Governor Oborevwori also announced that on Wednesday, Tinubu, in collaboration with the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), would launch the Free-to-Shine Initiative for the South-South region. This campaign aims to increase awareness and intervention efforts against HIV/AIDS and other public health challenges affecting women of reproductive age.
Traditional Rulers Applaud Tinubu, Praise Federal Government Projects
Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Maj Gen Felix Mujakperuo (rtd.), the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, lauded the First Lady for her visit and commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing federal road projects in Delta State. These include the Benin-Asaba Expressway, Benin-Warri Expressway, and the Access Road to the Second Niger Bridge.
He also praised Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to infrastructure development, describing Delta State as a “massive construction site” and emphasizing the need for continuity in governance to ensure ongoing projects are completed.
The First Lady was warmly received at the Asaba International Airport by Governor Oborevwori, his wife Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, and other high-ranking officials.
