Asaba, Delta State – March 26, 2025 – The Office of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has addressed the recent controversy involving students of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences following their participation in chants at a public event in Asaba.
During the “Renewed Hope Initiative’s” donation of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the South-South zone, held at the Dome Event Centre on March 25, an enthusiastic reception was given to both the First Lady of Delta State and the First Lady of Nigeria.
A section of a widely circulated video from the event captured students engaging in an impromptu and lively twist to a welcome song, which has since drawn official scrutiny from the college administration.
In response, the Office of the First Lady released a statement acknowledging the warm hospitality extended to Senator Tinubu and expressing appreciation for the energy and enthusiasm displayed by nurses, midwives, women’s groups, and student nurses present at the event.
However, the statement also noted concern over reports that some students had been issued queries for their participation in the chants.
While affirming the importance of institutional discipline, the First Lady’s office emphasized the need to recognize that students often express themselves in a playful and light-hearted manner, especially in moments of excitement.
“The Office of the First Lady believes that educational institutions should foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum,” the statement read.
“The First Lady’s visit was intended to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals, and it is our hope that this event remains a positive and motivating experience for all involved.”
The statement further urged the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences to approach the matter with fairness and understanding, ensuring a balance between discipline and the freedom of expression within the academic community.
The event, which was aimed at motivating midwives and reducing infant and maternal mortality in Nigeria, was a key initiative under the “Renewed Hope Initiative”.
It brought together healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and government officials committed to improving maternal and child healthcare in the country.
See the full statement below 
“The attention of the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to a video circulating on social media, showing chants welcoming both the First Lady of Delta State and the First Lady of Nigeria during the Renewed Hope Initiative’s donation of 10,000 Professional Kits to Midwives in the South-South zone held at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday, 25th March, 2025.
“The event was primarily to motivate midwives across the nation, with the aim of reducing infant and maternal mortality, and morbidity in Nigeria.
“Her Excellency deeply appreciates the warm reception by the Delta State Government, the people of Delta State, as well as enthusiasm shown by nurses, midwives, women groups, and student nurses present at the event.
“However, a section of the video, allegedly recorded by some students at the event, showed a spontaneous and playful twist to the welcome song.
“Sequel to that, it has come to our attention that some of the students of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences have been issued a query regarding their participation in the chants.
“While the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria respects the right of institutions to uphold discipline, it is important to recognize that students, in moments of excitement, often express themselves in a light-hearted and jovial manner.
“The Office of the First Lady believes that educational institutions should foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum.
“The First Lady’s visit was intended to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals, and it is our hope that this event remains a positive and motivating experience for all involved.
“We trust that the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences will handle this matter with understanding and fairness, ensuring that students continue to thrive in an environment that balances discipline with free expression.”
