….Launches free sanitary pad initiative in Gombe
First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday urged Nigerians to project a positive image of the country both at home and abroad, stressing that the era of labeling Nigeria as the world’s most corrupt nation is over.
She made the call in Akko during the unveiling of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Kumo, where she was honoured with a traditional title and also launched her new initiative, “Flow With Confidence”, aimed at supporting young schoolgirls with free sanitary pads.
Our correspondent reports that Tinubu had declared on an ongoing two-day Health Summit in Gombe.
“Calling on us as Nigerians: stop badmouthing your nation. 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.
“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,” she said.
The First Lady unveiled her flagship project under the Renewed Hope Initiative to address 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.”
She revealed that the programme is already running in 12 states, with ₦2 billion committed so far out of an estimated ₦600 billion needed to cover the entire country. “The company producing the pads is overwhelmed but they are doing a good job. I believe that even corporate organizations can join us in this effort,” she added, urging state governments and private partners to collaborate.
Tinubu stressed the importance of traditional institutions and religious leaders in sustaining government programs at the grassroots. “We believe in traditional rulers because we believe you are the custodians of the land. Our positions are temporary, but yours is not,” she said.
“You will always be there, and we honor that position. That is why I always call on traditional and religious leaders to help us push our programs down to the grassroots.”
The First Lady also cautioned against wasteful spending on lavish lifestyles and foreign events, urging Nigerians to redirect resources into local development. “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,” she said. “We have destinations in Nigeria. Let us invest here.”
She further expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its current security challenges, recalling a time when the country was safer and more united. “In our day, this land was secured. I served in Kano. We traveled all around without fear. By the grace of Allah, that time is here again, and we are going to have it back,” she said.
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. “I feel so much at home with Gombe, and I’m proud to be one of you. That you have honored 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 said.
The First Lady also expressed admiration for Gombe’s scenic landscape, comparing it to the English countryside. “Your landscape is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like that. You see that in London countryside, but I’m seeing it here in Gombe,” she remarked.
Concluding her remarks, Mrs. Tinubu emphasised that her work is driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy. “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,” she said.
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 said the decision was a direct investment in the welfare of health workers and would align their salaries with federal standards.
“In order to strengthen our commitment to the welfare of the health workers that power this system, I am pleased to announce the immediate approval for the full implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures for all health workers, effective November 2025, making them at par with that of the federal government,” Governor Yahaya said.
He disclosed that the new salary structure would cost the state government ₦250 million monthly, amounting to ₦3 billion annually, describing it as a bold but necessary step to ensure health workers remain motivated and committed to service.
“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 wellbeing 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 centres, modernized hospitals, the contributory health scheme (GoHealth), and the state-owned pharmaceutical initiative, GoPharma.
“These efforts are designed to deliver quality care from the primary to the tertiary level, ensuring no one is left behind,” he noted.
