In a bid to improve the health and social well-being of Nigerians, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the 2025 Free Medical Outreach of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) for the Niger Delta region.
According to her, the Renewed Hope Initiative Health Programme was established to complement the significant strides of the Federal Government in making healthcare more accessible and affordable for Nigerians; hence, provided healthcare services to medically underserved rural communities in the region.
Senator Tinubu, who is also the founder of RHI, inaugurated the renovated and upgraded Cottage Hospital and Community Secondary School, which the NDDC built to enhance healthcare and education in Bayelsa State.
While speaking at the launching and commissioning ceremony, held at the Cottage Hospital, Otuasega in Ogbia Local Government Area, the first lady recalled that the NDDC, and the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, had partnered in the distribution of 45,000 U-Lesson Educational Tablets in primary and secondary schools across the Niger Delta region and this will provide students with comprehensive learning resources for engaging and Interactive educational experiences.
In her words: “Since its inception in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has provided targeted interventions in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health and social welfare to improve the lives of families across Nigeria”.
In the same vein, the Bayelsa State Governor,v Senator Duoye Diri, lauded the First Lady for supporting the development efforts of the state government; commending President Tinubu for supporting the state in continuing the construction of the Nembe-Brass Road.
Also, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh applauded the collaboration between the NDDC and RHI, stating that it represented a game-changing partnership, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking a particular interest in the development of the region; charging the Governors of Niger Delta states to continue to partner with the commission.
“The NDDC is setting standards in good performance in the region. I advise the regional development agencies to emulate the Commissioning of First Lady, as she Launches Free Medical Outreach in Niger Delta, he stated.
Addressing the crowd at the event, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, acknowledged that Niger Delta Region being attributed as a zone of peace and development was as a result of the partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady which a reflection of the strong desire of the President Tinubu’s administration to transform region.
He said: “As we begin the celebration of 25 years of NDDC, we need more of these strategic and coordinated development programmes to take our life-saving interventions into the future.”
In another development, it was also stated that in the last month, the NDDC inaugurated four regional projects, including the 9.6-kilometre Abraka-Oben Road in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State; the 7.3-kilometre Oyigbo Road network in Rivers State; the Eziama-Abba-Owere Nkworji Road in Nwangele Local Government Area, Imo State and the 23.7-kilometre Ndoro-Ntalakwu Road Network in Abia State.
Revealing that the NDDC board and Management had received a new governance structure prepared by KPMG to ensure accountability and effective performance.
Meanwhile, the NDDC Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr George Uzonwanne , stated that the Commission’s free medical outreach was a flagship programme.
“The programme is receiving a boost with the presentation of 11 Ambulances to Hospitals in the nine states of the region, as well as the donation of Specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other medical equipment, including a Soundproof Generator and a Digital Colour Doppler Ultrasound System.”
Speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, in his goodwill message, expressed a heart of gratitude to the President for his commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Also, the representative of the World Health Organisation’s country, Dr Walter Mulombo, disclosed that with joy in his heart over the activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative, the WHO would not relent in giving support.
