First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called for stronger and more positive collaborations to improve the lives of families across the country.
Speaking at the 12th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee Meeting held in Banjul, Gambia, Mrs. Tinubu said cooperation among nations and institutions is vital to strengthening health systems and expanding access to education across Africa.
In a statement issued by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady highlighted the activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative, a programme she leads to complement the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in education, health, economic empowerment, social investment, and agriculture.
She said the initiative has donated two million dollars, or its equivalent in naira, to support advocacy and treatment for cervical cancer and tuberculosis, with the aim of eliminating the diseases by 2030 through collaboration with local and international partners.
Mrs. Tinubu also said the initiative has awarded annual scholarships to 47 indigent university students for three consecutive years and partnered with the Federal Ministry of Education to provide 1,500 scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
She commended the Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej, for the foundation’s support to Nigerian doctors through several specialised scholarships. These 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.
According to her, an additional 40 scholarships were awarded for diplomas and master’s degrees in diabetes, endocrinology, preventive cardiovascular medicine, cardiology, obesity, and weight management, as well as three scholarships in oncology research, medical oncology, and pain management.
Mrs. Tinubu expressed optimism that the collaboration would continue to expand to improve healthcare and education for Nigerian families.
