The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for stronger partnerships and collaborations built on shared values to strengthen health systems, expand educational access, and bring renewed hope to families across Nigeria and Africa.
Speaking at the 12th edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee Meeting held in Banjul, The Gambia, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that effective partnerships remain the cornerstone for building resilient societies and improving the lives of women and children across the continent.
“Partnerships built on shared values can build stronger health systems, expand educational access, and give hope to families across Nigeria,” she said. “Collaborations are viable sources of hope and a foundation for sustainable development.”
The Nigerian First Lady highlighted some of the key achievements of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which she founded to complement the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in improving living standards for Nigerians. According to her, RHI’s focus areas health, education, economic empowerment, social investment, and agriculture reflect her commitment to inclusive national development.
“In health, RHI has so far donated $2 million to support advocacy and treatment for cervical cancer and tuberculosis as part of our commitment to eliminate both diseases by 2030,” Mrs. Tinubu stated. “This is in addition to other health interventions carried out in collaboration with local and international partners.”
On education, she revealed that the initiative has awarded annual scholarships to 47 indigent university students for three consecutive years, and 1,500 additional scholarships have been given to underprivileged students in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
“These collaborations are already changing lives and spreading success stories across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria,” she added.
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Mrs. Tinubu commended the CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator Rasha Kelej, for the organization’s wide-ranging support in medical education and women’s empowerment. She noted that Nigerian doctors have benefitted immensely from the Merck Foundation’s scholarship programs, which include:
14 scholarships for one-year diplomas in fertility and embryology and two-year master’s programs in sexual and reproductive care, women’s health, and family medicine.
40 scholarships for diplomas and master’s degrees in diabetes, endocrinology, preventive cardiology, and obesity and weight management.
Three scholarships for oncology research, medical oncology, and pain management.
Senator Tinubu expressed optimism that these collaborations could be expanded to reach more professionals and communities across Nigeria, stressing that a healthy population is vital for economic and social progress.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative and the Merck Foundation share a common vision for a healthier, better educated, and more empowered Africa,” she affirmed.
The Banjul meeting, which brought together several African First Ladies, including those of The Gambia, São Tomé, Central African Republic, Burundi, and Senegal, served as a platform for discussing strategies to close health gaps and promote women’s empowerment.
Participants exchanged experiences and best practices in addressing maternal and child health, infertility stigma, and education barriers affecting girls and young women.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with like-minded institutions to deliver sustainable solutions. “When we work together, we multiply impact and give hope to families who depend on us for change,” she said.
The Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative continues to be one of the continent’s most influential advocacy platforms, linking leadership, science, and compassion in the pursuit of health equity and gender equality across Africa.