ILORIN – First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday praised Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as an outstanding leader and achiever, commending his efforts in driving development across the state.
Accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman, his wife Amb. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and several other first ladies, Senator Tinubu began her day by flagging off the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the North Central region.
She then launched the General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover in Ilorin, a moment that the late general’s widow, Cecilia Idiagbon, described as significant and reflective of Governor AbdulRazaq’s respect for history.
The First Lady also visited the Ilorin Innovation Hub, a cutting-edge facility aimed at positioning Kwara as a tech hub. Impressed by what she saw, she remarked:
> “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.”
During the tour, she discussed her vision for a “Dream Centre”, a platform for nurturing talented underprivileged children.
Her next stop was the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hospital, where she laid the foundation stone for a multi-storey medical facility set to replace the old civil service clinic in GRA, Ilorin. Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Ahmed el-Imam noted that the hospital would offer premium healthcare services to the state and beyond.
The First Lady then commissioned the Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover, named after the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs. The General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover measures 562 meters, while the Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover spans 457.4 meters, both enhancing road connectivity and aesthetics in the capital city.
She concluded the day’s activities with a visit to the Sugar Factory Film Studio, a legacy project aimed at boosting the creative industry in Kwara.
At the midwives’ kit distribution, Senator Tinubu emphasized the federal government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare, noting:
> “This is to complement the ongoing federal government’s retraining exercise of 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide. I am informed that 54,346,000 health workers have already completed their training, and that is why the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) procured 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 crocs to support the tireless dedication of our midwives.”
She added that all six geopolitical zones would receive 10,000 crocs and 10,000 scrubs for their midwives.
Governor AbdulRazaq commended the initiative, stating:
> “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.”
First Lady of Kwara, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, described the initiative as a testament to Senator Tinubu’s commitment to maternal health.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, and NPHCDA Executive Director, Dr. Muyi Aina, both highlighted the importance of midwives in reducing maternal and perinatal deaths, calling the event a significant step in strengthening healthcare capacity.
Dignitaries present included Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi and his wife Abieyuwa, Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu, Senator Sadiq Umar, Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya, cabinet members, government agency heads, party leaders, clerics, and community leaders.
Senator Tinubu expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality accorded to her and her entourage, describing Kwara’s preparations as a model for other states:
> “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.”
She will continue her engagements in Kwara today, launching the Free to Shine and Triple Elimination Campaigns targeting HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis.