By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, joined her counterparts from across Africa in Banjul, The Gambia, for the 12th MERCK Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee (FLIC) meeting, strengthening regional cooperation on public health and social development.
At the session held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the First Ladies, in partnership with the MERCK Foundation, unveiled the Ray of Hope animation series — an advocacy tool designed to raise awareness about childhood cancer, promote early detection, and inspire compassion for children battling the disease across the continent.
According to a statement signed by Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on Wednesday, Senator Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to improving healthcare access, particularly for women and children, and to supporting initiatives that bring hope to families affected by cancer and other health challenges. She emphasized that collaboration among African nations is vital to advancing equitable and sustainable healthcare.
While in The Gambia, the Nigerian First Lady also visited members of the Nigerian ECOMOG contingent, commending their professionalism and patriotism. She later joined her host, Madam Fatima Bah Barrow, on a tour of an exhibition showcasing Gambian products and creativity a gesture that further strengthened cultural and diplomatic ties between both nations.
Through her engagement in Banjul, Senator Tinubu reinforced the message of Renewed Hope, aligning Nigeria’s soft diplomacy with continental efforts to promote compassion, cooperation, and collective action for a healthier Africa.
