The wife of the Governor of Oyo State, Chief Tamunominini Makinde has advised mothers to take proper care of newborn babies because they are God’s gift bestowed on them.
She made the call during a Christmas Day visit to the General Hospital, Oyo, Aafin Primary Health Care Centre, and Iseke Primary Health Care Centre, where she presented Christmas gifts to the first babies born this Christmas.
Chief Makinde encouraged the mothers to ensure proper immunization, exclusive breastfeeding, and regular visit to postnatal clinics, stressing that postnatal care provides support and assist mothers especially in addressing postnatal depression.
She described childbirth as a priceless and exceptional gift from God and expressed gratitude for the safe delivery of all mothers and babies, including a set of twins.
Merry Christmas Greetings from all of us at Radio Nigeria Ibadan
The wife of the governor also commended nurses and healthcare workers across the facilities, noting that their efforts ensured the survival and well-being of both mothers and babies.
While expressing their appreciation, the mothers appreciated Mrs Makinde for the kind gesture extended to them.
The first Christmas baby was delivered at 4:00 a.m. on Thursday.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled a new round of financial empowerment for persons with disabilities, PWDs, in Oyo State under the nationwide Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme, held to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The event, held at the Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, took place simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
A total of 250 persons with disabilities in Oyo State received ₦200,000 each as business recapitalization grants, while the state also received a ₦50 million support fund for wider distribution within its disability community.
Represented in Ibadan by the wife of the Oyo State governor, Chief Tamunominini Makinde, Senator Tinubu said the initiative demonstrated the government’s commitment to building an economy that gives every Nigerian a sense of belonging.
“Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully,” she said.
She announced that 9,500 persons with disabilities nationwide would receive a total of ₦1.9 billion, describing it as one of the largest empowerment interventions targeted at Nigerians with disabilities.
Quoting American disability rights advocate Helen Keller, she added, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. A truly inclusive society is built when we stand together and create opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts.”
Senator Tinubu emphasised that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth, social protection, and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable Nigerians.
She highlighted earlier RHI interventions, noting that more than 100,000 petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, had received direct cash grants over the past two years.
“Our Social Investment Programmes have supported victims of floods, communal clashes, disasters, the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes,” she said. “Through our Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, food items have been delivered to 22 states and the FCT. We remain committed to doing even more.”
She further announced that the RHI Governing Board had approved that the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities will now hold annually on December 3.
Senator Tinubu also expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and his wife, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, for their continued support for disability inclusion.
In his welcome address, Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to inclusive governance.
“Today reminds us that disability is not inability. Every individual, regardless of physical or cognitive differences, possesses immense value,” he said.
He noted that the state maintains a deliberate quota system across education, health, employment, infrastructure, and social welfare to prevent the marginalisation of persons with disabilities.
“The Agency for Persons with Disabilities remains a hub for policy implementation, empowerment, and advocacy. Our goal is a state where every person can thrive without barriers,” Mr. Adekanmbi added.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Kayode Lawal thanked the First Lady and the government for the support, promising that recipients would use the funds responsibly to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), led by the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched “Flow with Confidence”, a menstrual health programme targeted at schoolgirls in Oyo State.
The event, held in Ibadan, brought together girls from various schools across the city.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described menstruation as natural and “a vital part of growing up for the girl child.”
She encouraged the students to embrace the acronym FLOWER—Freshen up, Learn about the cycle, Observe good pad use, Waste disposal, Eat healthily, and Reach out to parents if they experience challenges.
Dr Ajetunmobi urged the girls to “be confident and blossom like a flower during menstruation,” stressing that no one should be bullied or mocked because of their monthly cycle.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mr Oluwasegun Olayiwola, noted that girls “flow with confidence” when basic amenities such as water and accessible toilets are available in schools.
He said such provisions help students stay focused on their studies without avoidable distractions.
Representing the wife of the governor, Chief Tamunominini Makinde, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, said no girl should miss school due to menstruation.
She announced that each beneficiary would receive 12 packs of sanitary pads to last a year.
Chief Makinde appealed for empathy from the public, especially when girls face cramps during their monthly flow.
She added: “It has often been said that ‘when you educate a girl, you educate a nation.’ This is not just a proverb; it is a proven developmental fact. Educated girls grow into empowered women who drive economic growth, strengthen families, uplift communities and contribute meaningfully to national development. Therefore, any investment in the well-being, education and confidence of the girl-child is an investment in Nigeria’s development and future stability.”
Chief Makinde also highlighted the need for support when girls experience menstrual discomfort: “Some girls experience menstrual cramps… which can sometimes make learning very difficult. Simple measures such as staying hydrated, using warm compressors, gentle stretching, proper rest, and, when necessary, taking mild pain relief prescribed by a health professional, can help them cope effectively. Teachers and parents must therefore continue to support them with understanding, patience and reassurance.”
In her remarks, the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the Flow with Confidence initiative aims to reach 370,000 girls nationwide, especially in rural communities.
Senator Tinubu explained that the programme has already been introduced in several states, with each receiving 10,000 packs of sanitary pads for vulnerable girls.
She added: “The Renewed Hope Initiative spent a total of N2,550,297,150 to procure these customised disposable sanitary pads from a local manufacturing company in Lagos State. I therefore urge corporate organisations, parastatals, agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to key into the Flow with Confidence programme, so that we can empower and reach as many girls as possible.”
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu and the Oyo State governor’s wife, promising to use the pads responsibly.
