The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday extended the Renewed Hope Initiative Food Outreach Scheme to Ondo State as part of efforts to tackle hunger and child malnutrition across the country.
The intervention, held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure, saw food items distributed to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable residents under the Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Programme.
Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, said the programme was designed to improve access to nutritious food while strengthening support systems for vulnerable households.
She explained that the Food Outreach Scheme, launched in March 2024, was aimed at easing the burden on disadvantaged families and ensuring children have the opportunity to grow in good health.
According to her, the initiative is sustained through monthly donations of two truckloads of food items by the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative and another donor who chose to remain anonymous, with two states benefiting every month.
She disclosed that the food items distributed in Ondo State were donated by the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, adding that the programme complements President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda by addressing food insecurity and malnutrition.
The First Lady commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to the welfare of the people, while also praising the governor's wife, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, for supporting the implementation of the initiative in the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the outreach as another demonstration of the Federal Government's resolve to reduce poverty and improve the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
He said the programme represented more than the distribution of food items, noting that it reflected compassion, solidarity and a collective commitment to improving the lives of the less privileged.
"The Renewed Hope Initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu's commitment to reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable Nigerians. It is also in line with our administration's determination to improve the welfare of our people through meaningful social interventions," the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting Federal Government programmes, adding that several interventions had positively impacted residents of the state.
He also reiterated the state's political support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, expressing confidence that the President would receive overwhelming support from Ondo State.
The governor said the outreach aligns with his administration's "OUR EASE" development agenda, particularly its focus on promoting the welfare, dignity and resilience of women, children and families, while assuring residents that his government would continue to implement policies that improve food availability and affordability.
In her welcome address, the governor's wife, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Abosede Adelami, described the programme as a demonstration of compassionate leadership aimed at restoring hope and dignity to vulnerable citizens.
She lauded the First Lady for sustaining interventions targeted at women, children, widows, persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups across the country.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, Dr Ubon Udoh, said the organisation remained committed to supporting programmes that provide relief, strengthen communities and promote sustainable development through investments in health, education and social development.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; wives of the governors of Osun, Ogun and Jigawa states, top government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security chiefs and other stakeholders.
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