A Call for National Pride and Progress
First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, made a powerful statement on Thursday, urging Nigerians to project a positive image of the country both domestically and internationally. She emphasized that the era of labeling Nigeria as the world’s most corrupt nation is over. This message was delivered during the unveiling of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Kumo, where she was honored with a traditional title and launched her new initiative, “Flow With Confidence,” aimed at supporting young schoolgirls with free sanitary pads.
During an ongoing two-day Health Summit in Gombe, Tinubu called on Nigerians to stop badmouthing their nation. She stated:
“Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corrupt country. You won’t hear that again. Even when I go abroad, when they hear you’re from Nigeria, everybody’s interested. They want to come to Nigeria. Nigeria is the next destination. We have to be proud of our nation.”
This sentiment reflects a broader effort to reshape the narrative around Nigeria and promote national pride.
Addressing Menstrual Hygiene Challenges
As part of her Renewed Hope Initiative, Tinubu unveiled a flagship project aimed at addressing menstrual hygiene challenges among young girls. She explained that 10,000 girls across Gombe State would immediately benefit from a one-year supply of disposable sanitary towels to enable them to attend school regularly.
“No girl should be deprived of going to school because of little things like that,” she said. “I don’t believe in reusable sanitary towels — they are not safe for our children. What we have done is to get every girl who cannot buy one a one-year supply of disposable sanitary towels. At least they have the surety to go to school unhindered for one whole year.”
The program is already running in 12 states, with ₦2 billion committed so far out of an estimated ₦600 billion needed to cover the entire country. Tinubu urged state governments and private partners to collaborate, emphasizing that corporate organizations can also join the effort.
The Role of Traditional and Religious Leaders
Tinubu stressed the importance of traditional institutions and religious leaders in sustaining government programs at the grassroots level. She stated:
“We believe in traditional rulers because we believe you are the custodians of the land. Our positions are temporary, but yours is not. You will always be there, and we honour that position. That is why I always call on traditional and religious leaders to help us push our programs down to the grassroots.”
This collaboration is essential for ensuring that initiatives reach the communities that need them most.
Redirecting Resources for Local Development
The First Lady also cautioned against wasteful spending on lavish lifestyles and foreign events, urging Nigerians to redirect resources into local development. She said:
“If we get our priorities right as Nigerians and we are not wasteful with all these big, big parties and destination weddings — making money for countries that already have their own money — we can build our country better. We have destinations in Nigeria. Let us invest here.”
This message highlights the need for responsible financial management and investment in domestic growth.
Overcoming Security Challenges
Tinubu expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its current security challenges. She recalled a time when the country was safer and more united, stating:
“In our day, this land was secured. I served in Kano. We travelled all around without fear. By the grace of Allah, that time is here again, and we are going to have it back.”
Her words reflect hope for a future where safety and unity prevail.
Honored with a Traditional Title
During her visit, Mrs. Tinubu was bestowed with a traditional title in Akko. She described the honor as humbling and pledged to continue to stand with the people of Gombe. She said:
“I feel so much at home with Gombe, and I’m proud to be one of you. That you have honoured me makes me proud to belong here. I will do my best so that I won’t disappoint you, and I will send your message to Mr President.”
She also expressed admiration for Gombe’s scenic landscape, comparing it to the English countryside.
A Legacy of Service
Concluding her remarks, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that her work is driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy. She said:
“I’m 65 years old now. I pray I live long, but I’m working so hard so that when my husband finishes his tenure, I too can walk around safely. That is what drives me to do the work.”
Investment in Healthcare Workers
Earlier, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya announced the approved full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for all health workers in the state, effective November 2025.
He stated that the decision was a direct investment in the welfare of health workers and would align their salaries with federal standards. The new salary structure would cost the state government ₦250 million monthly, amounting to ₦3 billion annually.
“This significant intervention is a direct investment in the welfare of our health workers,” the governor said. “In return, I call upon all health workers in Gombe State to match this commitment with renewed dedication, the highest standards of productivity, and an unwavering focus on contributing to the health and well-being of our people.”
Yahaya explained that the measure was part of broader reforms aimed at creating a seamless healthcare ecosystem in Gombe State, linking revitalized primary healthcare centers, modernized hospitals, the contributory health scheme (GoHealth), and the state-owned pharmaceutical initiative, GoPharma.
