Mrs. Tinubu’s remarks resonated with optimism about Nigeria’s future, as she urged citizens both at home and in the diaspora to actively safeguard and promote the country’s image. “Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corrupt country. You won’t hear that again,” she told an enthusiastic crowd. “When I travel abroad, once people hear you are Nigerian, there is interest and excitement. They want to come to Nigeria because this is the next destination. We must be proud of our nation.”
The First Lady’s visit to Gombe was marked by the launch of her flagship “Flow With Confidence” project, a menstrual hygiene initiative aimed at empowering young girls and reducing school absenteeism caused by a lack of access to sanitary products. In Gombe State alone, 10,000 schoolgirls are set to receive a one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads, a move designed to ensure they remain in school and pursue their education without interruption. Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “No girl should be deprived of education over something as little as lack of sanitary pads. We have chosen disposable sanitary towels because they are safe and will give our children the confidence to stay in school.”
The “Flow With Confidence” project, already operational in 12 states, has secured ₦2 billion in funding but requires an estimated ₦600 billion to achieve nationwide coverage. To bridge this gap, Mrs. Tinubu called on corporate organizations, state governments, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative. She highlighted its broader significance, noting that empowering girls through access to menstrual hygiene products is a critical step toward advancing human capital development in Nigeria.
Beyond her advocacy for girls’ education, Mrs. Tinubu used the platform to address wasteful spending practices that she believes undermine Nigeria’s economic progress. She urged Nigerians to rethink extravagant expenditures, such as lavish destination weddings and luxury parties held abroad, which she argued enrich foreign economies at the expense of Nigeria’s development. “If we get our priorities right as Nigerians and are not wasteful with destination weddings or luxury parties that enrich other economies, we can build our country better,” she said. “Nigeria itself has destinations worth investing in.” Her call for fiscal discipline was framed as a patriotic duty, encouraging citizens to redirect resources toward local investments that strengthen the nation’s economy.
Mrs. Tinubu also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to collaborate with the government in sustaining development programs. Describing them as “custodians of the land,” she emphasized their enduring influence, which outlasts political tenures. “Your roles are critical in ensuring that development initiatives take root and thrive in our communities,” she said, underscoring the importance of their partnership in driving sustainable progress.
Reflecting on her personal experiences, the First Lady recalled her time as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Kano, where she traveled freely without fear. She expressed hope that Nigeria could reclaim such security, stating, “In our day, this land was secure. We traveled everywhere without fear. By the grace of Allah, that time will come again.” At 65 years old, Mrs. Tinubu shared her personal motivation, saying, “What drives me is to work hard so that when my husband leaves office, I too can walk around this country safely and proudly.”
Her visit to Gombe was marked by a warm gesture of hospitality when she was conferred with a traditional title in Akko. Visibly moved, Mrs. Tinubu described the honor as humbling and a testament to Gombe’s welcoming spirit. She pledged to carry the state’s message to her husband, President Bola Tinubu, and vowed not to disappoint the people of Gombe.
In his remarks at the event, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya announced a significant step toward improving the welfare of health workers in the state. He approved the full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for all health workers, effective November 2025. This decision, which aligns state health workers’ salaries with those of their federal counterparts, will cost the state government ₦3 billion annually.
Governor Yahaya described the new salary structure as a “bold but necessary step” to motivate and retain health workers, whom he referred to as the backbone of the state’s healthcare system. “This is a direct investment in the welfare of those who power our healthcare system,” he said, urging workers to reciprocate with renewed commitment and dedication to their duties. The governor also outlined broader healthcare reforms in Gombe, including efforts to link primary health centers with modern hospitals, the implementation of a contributory health scheme (GoHealth), and the establishment of a state-owned pharmaceutical initiative (GoPharma). These reforms, he noted, are designed to revitalize healthcare delivery and ensure accessible, quality services for all residents.
Mrs. Tinubu concluded her visit with a tour of Gombe’s scenic landscapes, which she likened to the English countryside. She expressed a deep sense of connection to the state, stating, “I feel at home in Gombe. You have honored me with a title, and I promise I will not disappoint you.” Her visit underscored her commitment to supporting projects that uplift Nigerian families and communities, reinforcing her role as a champion of education, health, and economic empowerment.
The First Lady’s message in Gombe resonates as a clarion call for Nigerians to take pride in their nation, invest in its potential, and work collectively to address its challenges. By promoting local investment and fiscal responsibility, she envisions a Nigeria that not only overcomes its historical challenges but also emerges as a global leader in investment and tourism. Her “Flow With Confidence” initiative, coupled with Governor Yahaya’s healthcare reforms, signals a broader commitment to human capital development and systemic improvement in Gombe and beyond.
As Nigeria navigates its path toward progress, the First Lady’s visit to Gombe serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and strategic investment in shaping a brighter future. Her emphasis on empowering girls, supporting health workers, and fostering national pride underscores the multifaceted approach needed to address Nigeria’s challenges and unlock its vast potential. With initiatives like these gaining momentum, the vision of a secure, prosperous, and globally respected Nigeria appears increasingly within reach.
