FIRST LADY'S RENEWED HOPE FOOD OUTREACH REACHES ONDO AS THOUSANDS OF VULNERABLE RESIDENTS RECEIVE SUPPORT

FIRST LADY'S RENEWED HOPE FOOD OUTREACH REACHES ONDO AS THOUSANDS OF VULNERABLE RESIDENTS RECEIVE SUPPORT

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), championed by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended its food outreach programme to Ondo State, providing food items to vulnerable residents as part of ongoing efforts to tackle hunger and child malnutrition across the country. The distribution exercise took place on Tuesday at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure, where beneficiaries, including persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, received food supplies under the RHI Social Investment Programme Food Outreach Scheme. Representing the First Lady, the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, said the initiative is designed to improve access to nutritious food, strengthen community support systems, and ensure that vulnerable Nigerians, especially children, have the opportunity to live healthier lives. She explained that the Food Outreach Scheme, launched in March 2024, is supported by monthly donations from the Abdusamad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and another anonymous donor, enabling two states to benefit from the programme every month. She disclosed that the food items distributed in Ondo State were donated by ASR Africa. According to Senator Tinubu's representative, the Renewed Hope Initiative complements President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting social welfare, addressing food insecurity, and improving the well-being of vulnerable households nationwide. She commended Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his administration's commitment to the welfare of residents and also praised the governor's wife, Mrs. Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, for supporting the implementation of the initiative in the state. Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the food outreach as a reflection of the Federal Government's commitment to reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable Nigerians. He said the programme represents compassion, solidarity, and a collective effort to improve the lives of those in need. The governor noted that the initiative aligns with his administration's OUR EASE Development Agenda, particularly its focus on improving the welfare of women, children, and families. He reiterated his administration's commitment to policies that will enhance food availability, affordability, and accessibility across Ondo State. Governor Aiyedatiwa also reaffirmed Ondo State's support for President Bola Tinubu, stating that the state remains committed to backing the President's programmes and policies. In her welcome address, the wife of the governor, Mrs. Esther Aiyedatiwa, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Abosede Adelami, described the outreach as an expression of compassionate leadership aimed at restoring hope and dignity to vulnerable citizens. She appreciated Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her continued support for women, children, widows, persons with disabilities, and other disadvantaged groups across Nigeria. Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, Dr. Ubin Udoh, said the organisation remains committed to supporting programmes that improve lives through interventions in health, education, and social development. The event attracted top government officials, members of the Ondo State Executive Council, lawmakers, local government chairmen, traditional and religious leaders, security chiefs, and other stakeholders.