By Emmanuel Abi Couson
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration commitment to improving healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas like the Niger Delta.
She made this statement recently in Otuasega, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, emphasizing the government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare services for underserved communities
It was during the launch of health insurance services aimed at supporting impoverished and vulnerable population, as well as the inauguration of a cottage hospital and community school by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She highlighted the Federal Government’s focus on saving lives and ensuring prompt medical attention to reduce health mortality rates across the country.
The first Lady emphasized on the introduction of a health insurance scheme specifically designed for these areas, which is expected to provide thousands of families with access to affordable and reliable medical care.
At the ocassion, the First Lady inaugurated the NDDC’s 2025 free medical outreach and the donation of medical equipment to various health facilities in the region.
She said these programmes were part of a broader strategy to improve health service delivery and ensure that essential medical support reaches the most vulnerable population.
Senator Oluremi said that through these initiatives, the Tinubu administration aimed to foster healthier communities, significantly reduce health-related mortality, and promote overall well-being in neglected regions.
“I am honoured to be in Bayelsa State after my first visit, and it is a great delight for me to officially flag off the NDDC medical outreach programme, health insurance scheme and the distribution of school desks, benches and textbooks in collaboration with the Renewed Hope initiative. The beneficiaries of this programme are the nine states of the Niger Delta region, namely; Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Imo, Abia and Ondo states, with Bayelsa State graciously hosting us today” She said
“Today, the medical outreach programme which I was told is conducted quarterly is aimed to deliver a special health services directly to the communities. It will address common health issues, provide preventive care and raise awareness about health concerns that is proportionately affecting rural residents, particularly in the area of maternal and child health.”
“In addition, the donation of 11 fully equipped ambulances along with the supply of personal protective equipment to enhance healthcare delivery and emergency response and health facilities in each NDDC states will be given one ambulance, while Bayelsa and Delta will be given two ambulances each.
“This contribution will significantly aid in saving lives and ensure that the various communities receive prompt medical attention when needed.” She reiterated.
Stressing on the need to particularly provide services to the rural population, the first Lady noted that was why the distribution of 32,000 school desks and benches to public schools would ensure that children learn in more comfortable and conducive environment.
“All these initiatives are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the priority areas of education, health and social investment which aim to build a healthiest, more educated and empowered populace,” she stated.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, said the essence of the partnership between Renewed Hope Initiative and NDDC, was to make sure the commission deliver the dividends of development in health, education and other social services that affect women, children and the youth in the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku said for the past one month, the NDDC had been busy inaugurating roads in the region initiated by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, appreciated the Federal Government for several developmental projects executed in the state.
He mentioned especially the linking of roads to some coastal communities.
