The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the 2025 Free Medical Outreach in Otuasega, Bayelsa State, as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The event also marked the commissioning of a newly renovated cottage hospital and a community secondary school—major investments aimed at improving healthcare and education in the region.
A standout feature of the outreach is the involvement of the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), which ensures that families listed in the National Social Register (NSR) are directly connected to vital health and social services. This data-driven approach ensures that the most vulnerable households in the Niger Delta are not left behind.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the programme reflects President Bola Tinubu’s vision to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians, especially those in underserved communities. She highlighted the Renewed Hope Initiative’s progress since 2023, which includes interventions in education, health, agriculture, and economic empowerment.
Thanks to NASSCO’s coordinated targeting system, the outreach is reaching the right people—those who often fall through the cracks of traditional development programmes. Through this partnership, the federal government, NDDC, and RHI are working together to bring real change to real lives.
The Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, thanked the First Lady for her support and praised the federal government for continuing key infrastructure projects in the state. Also speaking, Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, and NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, applauded the partnership as a game changer for the Niger Delta.
As the NDDC celebrates 25 years of service, the outreach also includes the distribution of ambulances, essential medical equipment, and upgraded diagnostic tools across the nine NDDC states. The Director of Health and Social Services at NDDC, Dr George Uzonwanne, called the outreach a flagship programme now receiving a much-needed boost.
The World Health Organization’s country representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, commended the initiative and pledged continued support for health programmes that prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations.
With NASSCO’s support, the Renewed Hope Medical Outreach is not just a ceremony—it’s a clear step toward improving lives and building stronger, healthier communities in the Niger Delta.