By Peter Omopo
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated several significant development projects in Bayelsa State, including a renovated Cottage Hospital, Community Secondary School, and a free medical outreach aimed at improving healthcare and education in the Niger Delta region.
The initiatives, built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) office of the First Lady, are part of efforts to enhance essential services in the region.
At a ceremony held in Otuasega community, Ogbia Local Government Area, Senator Tinubu, alongside key dignitaries including the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and NDDC board members, emphasized the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare access in rural communities.
She also launched the NDDC 2025 free medical outreach, which includes the distribution of medical equipment to health facilities in the region. In addition, she introduced a health insurance scheme specifically designed to provide affordable healthcare to rural families in the Niger Delta.
“The introduction of this health insurance scheme is aimed at ensuring that families in rural areas have access to reliable and affordable medical care,” said Senator Tinubu.
Highlighting the importance of education, the First Lady commended the NDDC for recognizing it as a vital pillar of development. She also celebrated the distribution of 32,000 school desks and benches to public schools, which will create a more conducive learning environment for students.
“This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the areas of education, health, and social investment, aimed at building a healthier, more educated, and empowered populace,” she added.
Senator Tinubu also encouraged the people of Bayelsa and the broader Niger Delta region to take full advantage of the various interventions provided by the NDDC and to support ongoing efforts to enhance their communities.
Among the projects inaugurated were 11 ambulances and personal protective equipment for hospitals, as well as the launch of the NDDC/RHI Youth Internship scheme and the distribution of educational materials, including textbooks, benches, and school desks.
Earlier in the day, Senator Tinubu met with the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, where she emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of the people and solicited their support for RHI’s health advocacy programs.
This initiative is part of a series of collaborative interventions between the NDDC and the Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at empowering communities and improving the quality of life across the Niger Delta.