“Partnerships built on shared values can build stronger health systems, expand educational access, and give hope to families across Nigeria” – First Lady Oluremi Tinubu

…As First Ladies of Africa meet in Banjul to address health gaps and women’s issues on the continent

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized that robust and positive collaborations and partnerships remain viable sources of hope for families across Nigeria.

She made this known at the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee Meeting held in Banjul, The Gambia.

Senator Tinubu, who highlighted some of the achievements of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), said the programmes continue to bring hope to families across Nigeria through interventions in education, health, economic empowerment, social investment, and agriculture.

“These programmes are designed to complement the efforts of my husband, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, towards ensuring a better life for Nigerian families,” she stated.

“In health, RHI has so far donated $2 million (naira equivalent) to support advocacy and treatment for cervical cancer and tuberculosis as part of our commitment to eliminate both diseases by 2030, among other health interventions in collaboration with local and international partners.

“In education, we have provided annual scholarships to 47 indigent university students for three consecutive years. Additionally, 1,500 scholarships have been awarded to indigent students in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.”

According to the First Lady, these collaborations and partnerships continue to yield success stories across various parts of Nigeria.

She commended the CEO of the Merck Foundation, Senator Rasha Kelej, for the foundation’s numerous interventions, which include:

• 14 scholarships for a one-year diploma in fertility and embryology, and a two-year master’s degree in sexual and reproductive care, women’s health, and family medicine for Nigerian doctors.
• 40 scholarships for one-year diplomas and two-year master’s degrees in diabetes and endocrinology, preventive cardiovascular medicine, cardiology, and obesity and weight management.
• 3 scholarships for oncology research, medical oncology, and pain management.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed optimism that the collaboration between RHI and the Merck Foundation would continue to expand.

The meeting had in attendance several First Ladies from African countries, including the host nation, The Gambia, as well as São Tomé, the Central African Republic, Burundi, and Senegal, who shared their countries’ interventions regarding women’s and children’s health and education.

The Merck Foundation and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) share a common vision for a healthier, better educated, and more empowered Nigeria — and Africa as a whole.

SIGNED:

Busola Kukoyi

Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Wednesday, 15th October, 2025