Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative, has fulfilled her commitment to support healthcare delivery for Nigerians in the Diaspora, Sierra Leone Chapter (NIDO, SL). According to Vanguard, a press statement from the organization announced her generous donation of $100,000 towards the construction of a first-class medical center in Sierra Leone.
The donation is in response to the urgent need for improved healthcare facilities in Sierra Leone, as highlighted by NIDO President in Sierra Leone, Engineer Abiodun Oyebola. The NIDO MEDICAL CENTRE, when operational, is expected to address the medical needs of over 40,000 Nigerians living in Sierra Leone. It is also anticipated to complement the efforts of His Excellency President Julis Maada Bio in strengthening the health sector.
Senator Tinubu met with members of Nigerians in Diaspora, Sierra Leone, during her visit to the country on November 19, 2023, where she served as the Special Guest of Honour for the commemoration of UN World Day. The meeting provided a platform for Nigerians in Sierra Leone to engage directly with the First Lady and receive updates on various issues, including the Nigerian economy, security, and social development.
Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) Sierra Leone Chapter was formed under the directive of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) in Abuja, led by Hon Abike Dabiri. The organization plays a crucial role in fostering unity and addressing the needs of Nigerians abroad. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa coordinated the meeting that facilitated Senator Tinubu’s interaction with the Nigerian community in Sierra Leone.
The $100,000 donation comes from the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Tinubu’s humanitarian pet project. This contribution is expected to significantly alleviate healthcare challenges faced by Nigerians in Sierra Leone, especially considering the country’s history of civil war, the Ebola outbreak, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, Sierra Leone Chapter, has been a trailblazer, organizing the largest single gathering of Nigerians abroad during the inauguration of President Abiodun Oyebola and his executives on July 6, 2019. Additionally, the NIDO MEDICAL CENTRE project is a pioneering initiative for non-profit healthcare in the diaspora.