FIRST LADY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA SEEKS THE SUPPORT OF MONARCHS IN ENDING HIV, HEPATITIS.

The first lady of the federal republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday called on traditional rulers in Ondo State to join hands with the government to eradicate HIV, Hepatitis B, female genital mutilation among other diseases affecting women in the state.

The first lady urged them to support her advocacy in tackling pressing health challenges affecting Nigerian women, including the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Syphilis among others.

She made the call at a meeting with members of the Ondo State Council of Obas in Akure, the state capital. The meeting was part of her itinerary during the visit to the state.

“Ending female genital mutilation is one of our key priorities. It is a harmful and outdated tradition built on myths. It does not stop promiscuity, as some believe. Findings have shown that the practice is capable of destroying the lives of young girls.”

The Nigerian First Lady, who also flagged off the South-West leg of the Renewed Hope Initiative as part of efforts to improve the well-being of women and girls across the country, announced plans to distribute no fewer than 10,000 health kits to professionals in the health sector, comprising Crocs and scrubs, to nurses and midwives in the South-West region.

She avail the moment to introduced a new menstrual hygiene campaign, tagged 'Flow with Confidence' through which her office intends to supply 10,000 sanitary pads to young girls in each state, with a focus on rural areas.

In his statement, the Chairman of the State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, who was represented by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, commended Mrs Tinubu’s initiatives and pledged the support and prayers of the traditional institution.

The monarch said, “We may not be able to offer financial help, but our prayers will never cease for the success of President Tinubu’s administration, praised the First Lady’s loyalty and visible support for her husband.