Delta govt expresses concern over nursing students’ conduct during Tinubu’s wife’s visit

The Delta State government has responded to a viral video involving some nursing students during the two-day visit of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, stating that what transpired at the Event Centre in Asaba on Tuesday was not an entirely accurate representation of the situation.

The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, clarified that despite some disappointment among the nurses, there was no incident of hostility or bullying during the visit. He explained that the nurses were initially welcoming, happy, and even danced while cheering the First Lady during her speech, though a few of them playfully expressed their feelings by singing a different tune in response to the situation.

Speaking at a news conference in Asaba on Thursday, Aniagwu stated that the reaction of some students was taken out of context and misrepresented on social media by individuals who sought to fit the event into their own narratives.

He explained: “Our dear First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was in our state for two good days, not on a holiday, but on a working visit, during which a great deal was achieved. A lot was given to our people, and this has been very much appreciated. We want to extend our gratitude to the First Lady, who has shown us love from that Olympian height.

“She brought in several medical kits and numerous other items to support our younger ones in their journey to indeed rise and shine. On the first day, over 10,000 medical kits were distributed across the six South-South states, using our state as the point of contact.

“We also witnessed the presence of several First Ladies from different states and geopolitical zones, who identified with the noble efforts of our First Lady. We welcomed her, and she was pleased with the reception accorded to her during the visit. We are very pleased with what she came to do in our state.”

Addressing the viral video, Aniagwu categorically stated that the First Lady did not visit the School of Nursing in Agbor. He explained that the nurses present at the event had certain expectations regarding the distribution of medical kits and that the First Lady had apologised to them during the presentation, clarifying that the current phase of donations was specifically targeted at midwives.

“She assured the nurses that they would receive their turn in due course through the Renewed Hope Initiative. However, some nurses, who had expected equal treatment alongside midwives, were understandably disappointed. Despite this, there was no incident of hostility or bullying during the visit. The nurses were initially happy, dancing and cheering as the First Lady spoke, but a few of them expressed their feelings playfully by singing a different tune in response to the situation.

“This reaction was taken out of context by certain individuals on social media, who misrepresented the events to fit their own narratives. The viral video, therefore, does not accurately reflect the atmosphere or what truly transpired at the gathering.

“As a government, we express our profound appreciation for the First Lady’s visit and her initiatives. We emphasise that the reaction seen in the video is not characteristic of our nurses but rather a response from a few individuals who had hoped for equal treatment with midwives.”

He reaffirmed the state government’s gratitude for the First Lady’s support while dismissing misleading narratives circulating online.

“So we needed to clarify the situation. Once again, we express our gratitude to the President, his wife, and supportive Nigerians, while reiterating our commitment to good governance in Delta through the MORE Agenda.”

Aniagwu also highlighted Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government for the state’s development. He noted that interactions with relevant government bodies at different levels would be strengthened to advance the MORE Agenda.

He stated: “We will continue to strengthen our relationship with federal agencies, starting from the Presidency down to other government institutions, to ensure that our state benefits maximally from available opportunities. At the end of the day, this will help us improve the quality of life for our people.

“Our state has already begun reaping the benefits of this relationship. Just on Sunday, we joined the Federal Government in the concessioning of the Benin–Onitsha Expressway with dual carriage, which will ease transportation along that corridor.

“We fully support this initiative of the Federal Government, and as a government, we wholeheartedly welcome this effort to make the road more motorable over time.

“On Monday, we also witnessed the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, alongside our governor, who represented the President, further solidifying the cordial relationship we maintain with the Federal Government.

“We have consistently made it clear that we have one President at the moment, and we will continue to cooperate with him to ensure the country functions effectively. If there is instability at the centre or in any component state, it will inevitably hamper development, which we do not wish for our country or our state.

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“This collaboration has already ensured that the Federal Government is proceeding with the construction of the 17.5km alignment linking the Second Niger Bridge from Issele-Azagba.

“As a state, we welcome this wholeheartedly. Our governor, representing the President at the function, has pledged that Delta State will cooperate and support every effort by the Federal Government to ensure the project’s completion.

“At that ceremony, the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, acknowledged our governor’s exemplary leadership in delivering the dividends of democracy through infrastructure development and human capital investment.

“Governor Oborevwori has truly embodied Section 14, Subsection 2, Paragraph B of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

“In that moment, we witnessed a convergence of fairness in this assessment, and we appreciate the Minister and Mr President for their efforts in our state. We also look forward to more such projects in the future.”

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