The Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has noted a video that has been circulating on social media, showcasing chants that welcomed both the First Lady of Delta State and the First Lady of Nigeria during the Renewed Hope Initiative’s donation of 10,000 Professional Kits to Midwives in the South-South zone. This event took place at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday, 25th March 2025.
The primary goal of the event was to encourage midwives throughout the nation, aiming to decrease infant and maternal mortality rates as well as morbidity in Nigeria. Her Excellency is sincerely grateful for the warm welcome extended by the Delta State Government, the people of Delta State, and the eagerness displayed by nurses, midwives, women’s groups, and nursing students who attended the event.
Nonetheless, a portion of the video, reportedly recorded by some students at the event, captured a spontaneous and playful variation of the welcome song. Subsequently, it has come to our attention that certain students from the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences have received a query regarding their involvement in the chants. While the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria acknowledges the right of institutions to maintain discipline, it is important to understand that students, in moments of excitement, tend to express themselves in a jovial and light-hearted way.
The Office of the First Lady believes that educational institutions should cultivate an atmosphere where students feel secure in expressing themselves while upholding decorum. The purpose of the First Lady’s visit was to motivate and uplift healthcare professionals, and we hope this event will remain a constructive and encouraging experience for everyone involved.
We trust that the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences will address this situation with compassion and fairness, ensuring that students can thrive in an environment that strikes a balance between discipline and free expression.
Signed:Busola KukoyiSSA Media to theFirst Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria28th March 2025
