…urges Nigerians to invest locally, shun wasteful spending

…Governor approves new health worker salary structures as part of broader reforms.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday declared that Nigeria has broken free from its “most corrupt nation” tag, insisting that the country is now the world’s next destination for investment, tourism, and pride.

She made the remarks in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State while inaugurating the Federal Medical Centre, Kumo, and launching her flagship menstrual hygiene project tagged “Flow With Confidence.”

According to her, Nigerians at home and abroad must consciously protect the country’s image and highlight its opportunities rather than dwell on its flaws.

“Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corrupt country. You won’t hear that again,” Mrs Tinubu said to a cheering crowd. “Even 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.”

Unveiling her new initiative, the First Lady announced that 10,000 schoolgirls in Gombe State would immediately receive a one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads to reduce absenteeism and dropouts linked to menstrual hygiene challenges.

The project, already running in 12 states, has so far attracted ₦2 billion in funding but requires an estimated ₦600 billion to achieve nationwide coverage. She called on corporate organisations, state governments, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the scheme.

“No girl should be deprived of education over something as little as lack of sanitary pads,” she stressed. “We have chosen disposable sanitary towels because they are safe and will give our children the confidence to stay in school.”

Mrs Tinubu further explained that the project is designed to empower girls and contribute to human capital development.

In her address, the First Lady urged Nigerians to cut down on extravagant spending on lavish parties and foreign events, emphasising that such resources should be redirected into national 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. Nigeria itself has destinations worth investing in,” she said.

She also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to partner with government in sustaining development programmes, describing them as “custodians of the land” whose influence outlives political officeholders.

Recalling her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) experience in Kano decades ago, Mrs Tinubu expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current security challenges.

“In our day, this land was secure. We travelled everywhere without fear. By the grace of Allah, that time will come again. I am 65 years old now, and what drives me is to work hard so that when my husband leaves office, I too can walk around this country safely and proudly,” she said.

She was also conferred with a traditional title in Akko, a gesture she described as humbling and a sign of Gombe’s hospitality.

In his remarks at the event, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, announced the immediate approval for the full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for all health workers in the state, effective November 2025.

He said the decision would align state workers with their federal counterparts and cost the government ₦3 billion annually.

“This is a bold but necessary step to ensure our health workers remain motivated and committed to service. It is a direct investment in the welfare of those who power our healthcare system,” Yahaya said, urging workers to reciprocate with renewed dedication.

The governor explained that the new wage structure forms part of broader reforms aimed at revitalising healthcare in the state, linking primary health centres with modern hospitals, a contributory health scheme (GoHealth), and a state-owned pharmaceutical initiative (GoPharma).

The First Lady concluded her visit with a tour of Gombe’s landscapes, which she likened to the English countryside, pledging to continue supporting projects that would uplift Nigerian families and communities.

“I feel at home in Gombe. You have honoured me with a title, and I promise I will not disappoint you. I will carry your message to Mr President,” she said.