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By Tracy Moses
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his wife, Oluwaseun, are set to welcome First Lady Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu for a two-day visit to Ondo State on Thursday.
Also the deputy governor of the state Dr. Olayide Adelami, and his wife, Bosede, will be present to receive the wife of the President, who is visiting the state to distribute professional kits to 10,000 nurses and midwives from South-West states.
This was announced by the Special Adviser on Women Affairs and Mobilization to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Dr. Seun Osamaye, on Wednesday, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a press briefing on the state’s preparations for the First Lady’s visit.
Oluremi who will be accompanied by 17 wives of state governors, will be in Ondo State to implement her initiative, the “FREE to SHINE” campaign, alongside the Triple Elimination Initiative aimed at tackling HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age in the state and South-West states.
The programs are designed to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers and improve maternal and child health services.
Dr. Osamaye also revealed that several projects and programs would be launched by the First Lady, including the training of 200 women in textile production.
She assured that the intervention programs would be warmly received by all the intended beneficiaries.
“The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa; his wife, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; his wife, Bosede; and leaders across all sectors of government and politics in Ondo State are ready to receive Her Excellency,” Osamaye stated.
“Ondo State is fully prepared to welcome the First Lady. We are also aware that the first ladies of several states across the country will accompany her to the Sunshine State.”
The first program will involve the presentation of 10,000 professional kits to midwives and nurses to enhance maternal healthcare across the nation. These kits will benefit approximately 10,000 midwives and nurses in the South-West region.
The second program specifically targets 200 women in textile production. These women, all from Ondo State, will be empowered with materials and resources to support their businesses. Osamaye confirmed that over 17 First Ladies will accompany the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We have identified several segments of women, especially those in textile production. If you have been following us recently, we have provided various empowerment opportunities to women across different sectors,” Osamaye added.
On Friday, the “FREE to SHINE” program will also be launched. Both events will be held at the International Events Centre, The Dome, Alagbaka, Akure. Osamaye reiterated that the First Lady’s impactful interventions across the country are widely acknowledged, highly commended, and crucial to the progress of the nation.
As a state, Ondo has benefitted from several of her initiatives, including the Educational Support Program, which offers scholarships to indigent students, the Elderly Support Program providing cash empowerment for senior citizens, and the Women in Cultural Support Empowerment Program. Additionally, the Youth Empowerment Program has benefited many of the state’s young people.
“Over 1,000 individuals have received training and cash grants. Some of our secondary school students have been inducted into the Young Farmers Club, along with pupils in primary schools,” Osamaye noted.
“Furthermore, one of our women won second place in the ‘Every Home a Garden’ national contest, which helped identify and empower women practicing home gardening. We’ve also seen local customers support and empower them further.”
“We have received several interventions that have benefitted women across other states, and now we are prepared to host Her Excellency. The state is ready.”
Osamaye emphasized that regardless of political affiliation, every citizen, whether indigene or resident, is entitled to benefit from the government’s initiatives.
“So far, we have identified various segments of our women, especially those in textile production, and have provided necessary empowerment. This government ensures that people do not need to stress to get what they deserve. It is not an abusive government,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, if Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa attends the program, it will mark her first public appearance since her husband was sworn in as Governor of Ondo State for his second term on February 24, 2025.