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Oluremi Tinubu ends Kwara visit
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has lauded Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s transformative vision in creating opportunities for youths and women in the state.
This is as she concluded her three-day working visit to the state on Thursday.
During the visit, she toured several state-of-the-art facilities, including the state’s Garment Factory, which has been described as the largest of its kind in the country.
She hailed the governor for creating opportunities for youths and women, emphasising that such efforts are critical for local empowerment.
Oluremi Tinubu, Kwara gov, wife, others
“What your governor has done is to create opportunities for enterprise and productive engagement of youths and women. I want you to work hard and become successful.
“I’m here purposely to encourage you to make this a huge success for yourself and for your state,” she said in Yoruba, addressing the workers at the factory.
In a gesture of support, she handed N20,000 to each of the hundreds of workers, telling them, “This is for your lunch.”
A Thursday statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, disclosed all these.
Her visit, which also included discussions on healthcare and education initiatives, culminated with the launch of the Free to Shine campaign, a major initiative by the Organisation of African First Ladies aimed at reducing HIV infections, particularly among women of reproductive age, and eliminating mother-to-child transmission.
Speaking on the campaign, the First Lady said, “The campaign is designed to significantly reduce the number of new HIV and other infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission, and guarantee that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to strive.”
She also advocated for a national effort to eliminate HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis, with a focus on the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
AbdulRazaq commended the First Lady’s dedication, stating, “Three days ago, we received reports about a significant shift in global HIV/AIDS policies and funding.
“This change will have far-reaching effects in Africa, and we must act swiftly to minimize its impact on millions of Africans living with HIV.”
The governor also affirmed Kwara’s commitment to the cause, pledging his full support and the backing of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for raising awareness and mobilising resources.
Meanwhile, Kwara’s First Lady, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, expressed her pride in the Free to Shine campaign, noting that it is a strategic step to eliminate new HIV infections in children and protect mothers.
Oluremi Tinubu at the Kwara Garment Factory
She further applauded the leadership of the Nigerian First Lady in leading the campaign, highlighting the significant role of African First Ladies in advocating for health and development issues across the continent.
In addition to the Free to Shine launch, the First Lady also took time to support the Sugar Factory Film Studio, which is a part of the state’s growing cultural and creative industry.
She pledged a donation of N350 million to the project, commending AbdulRazaq’s vision and support for local cultural initiatives.
“I am pledging this donation because of my love for this project and its ongoing focus on restoring local cultural values,” she said.
Kwara’s new projects, which the First Lady visited during her stay, included an ultramodern Intensive Care Unit, the Gen. Tunde Idiagbon flyover, and the Ilorin Innovation Hub.
These facilities reflect the governor’s ongoing efforts to bring about significant infrastructural development in the state, the statement added.
