BY IJEOMA UKAZU
In a heartfelt show of solidarity and commitment, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, joined fellow First Ladies from across Africa and Asia at the 7th edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies’ Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai. It was more than a gathering—it was a celebration of compassion, collaboration, and a shared dream: a world where every girl can learn and every woman can thrive.
With clarity and conviction, Senator Tinubu in her speech reaffirmed her dedication to championing causes that expand access to healthcare and education for women and girls—not only in Nigeria, but across the African continent. “I believe in empowering girls through education,” she said. “It plays a crucial role in building stronger and healthier nations.”
The summit, hosted by the Merck Foundation, brought together First Ladies from 14 countries and served as a platform to highlight the real and lasting impacts of their joint efforts—especially in breaking the silence around infertility, ending gender-based violence, and strengthening medical systems.
For Senator Tinubu, the partnership with Merck Foundation is more than strategic—it is personal. She commended the Foundation’s recent visit to her office, which offered a deeper understanding of its community-driven initiatives, including health media training, children’s storybooks, and animated films that speak to critical social issues in accessible, engaging ways.
The results of these partnerships are already evident in Nigeria. Through Merck Foundation’s scholarship program, 63 young Nigerian doctors have received specialized training in underrepresented medical fields, from oncology to endocrinology, cardiology, and reproductive health. Of these, eight scholarships were specifically focused on fertility, embryology, and sexual and reproductive health—areas where stigma has long prevented women from seeking help.
“These doctors will return to their communities with the skills and knowledge to provide essential care,” said Senator Tinubu. “They will be empowered to establish clinics and make a difference where it matters most—at home.”
Beyond healthcare, Senator Tinubu also called attention to education as a powerful tool for transformation. She urged the Merck Foundation to expand its "Educating Linda" program—which supports 20 high-performing girls from underprivileged backgrounds until graduation—to include more Nigerian girls. "By doing so, we will help protect our girls from early marriage and harmful cultural practices, and allow them to reach their full potential," she said.
The impact of the summit rippled beyond the speeches. Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, highlighted how the gathering allowed First Ladies to share insights, encourage one another, and explore new ideas to further their shared goals. She praised Senator Tinubu and her peers for being beacons of hope, describing girl-child education as the key to breaking cycles of poverty and inequality.
Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, chairman of Merck Foundation’s Board of Trustees, echoed this sentiment. He emphasized that while financial limitations remain a concern in Africa, the lack of trained healthcare professionals is an even greater obstacle. “Together with our partners, we’ve provided 2,270 scholarships in 44 underserved medical specialties across 52 countries,” he said. “We are not just filling gaps—we are building futures.”
As the summit concluded, one message rang clear: collaboration is powerful, and when women lead with compassion and vision, communities flourish.
With Senator Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative taking center stage, Nigeria is poised to deepen its impact—ensuring that more girls stay in school, more women receive quality care, and more families live in dignity. In her words and in her work, the First Lady is nurturing a legacy of progress, compassion, and resilience.
And in doing so, she is not just supporting women and girls—she is shaping the future of a continent.
