The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been appointed as an ambassador for the Merck Foundation’s “Merck More Than a Mother” campaign in Nigeria.
The appointment was made official during a visit to the State House by the Chairman of Merck Foundation, Professor Frank Strangenberg-Haverkanp, and other team members.
“Nigeria is a very important country, the MERCK Foundation was set up in 2012 when I was still a chairman of a commercial organisation.
” Due to my love for Africa, we set up the organisation in order to give back to the society, the idea with the main focus on women,” Prof. Strangenberg-Haverkanp said.
The Merck Foundation’s vision focuses on women empowerment, medical outreach, education programme, and scholarship for girls.
Dr Rasha Kelej, the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, informed Mrs. Tinubu that the group wanted to establish a partnership with the first lady through her NGO, Renewed Hope Initiative.
“We emphasise on the importance of girls’ education, women empowerment, ending child marriage, at all levels through the MERCK Foundation,” Dr. Kelej said.
“Our campaign also included media training aimed at inspiring and educating young journalists on how to break the silence and be the voice of the voiceless, ” she added.
Mrs. Tinubu joyfully accepted the task, promising to work with the group.
“I appreciate your impact in Africa and I will work for you, I feel honoured by your visit.
“I believe once you have an educated population, the country will grow in bounds, ” she said.
The partnership aimed at promoting women empowerment, education, and healthcare in Nigeria, aligning with the goals of the Merck Foundation and the Renewed Hope Initiatives.
