— As First Lady Launches ‘Free to Shine’ Campaign
The Ondo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, has called on corps members to become ambassadors of quality healthcare delivery across the state.
Bakare made this appeal at the official launch of the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign, a flagship health initiative under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) spearheaded by the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The event took place at the International Culture and Events Centre, also known as The Dome, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Addressing corps members at the event, Bakare encouraged them to take an active role in promoting healthcare awareness, especially in underserved communities.
“I want you all to draw strength from this initiative and champion quality healthcare in your various areas of primary assignment. Recognize the powerful impact of this effort in reducing maternal mortality,” she emphasized.
In her keynote address, the First Lady highlighted the goal of the ‘Free to Shine’ campaign, which focuses on eradicating the mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis. She stressed the need for collective support, noting that international health organizations, including the United Nations, are working toward eliminating these diseases in Nigeria by 2030.
Senator Tinubu explained that the Renewed Hope Initiative is designed to complement federal efforts in improving the health and welfare of Nigerians. According to her, similar programs have been successfully implemented in other regions of the country.
Also speaking at the event, the Wife of the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Mrs. Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, commended the First Lady’s commitment and expressed gratitude for choosing Ondo State to host the South West flag-off. She lauded the distribution of professional kits to nurses and midwives as part of the initiative’s support strategy.
A major highlight of the occasion was a short drama presentation by corps members, depicting the dangers of stigmatization faced by individuals living with infectious diseases and offering solutions to curb the spread.
Dignitaries at the event included the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, and other top government officials.
Others present were the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; Wife of the Deputy Senate President, Mrs. Barau; wives of governors from the South West geopolitical zone, and several distinguished guests from across the country.
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