By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), spearheaded by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended its Food Outreach Scheme to Ondo State, providing food items to vulnerable residents as part of efforts to combat hunger and child malnutrition across the country.
The intervention 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 items under the RHI Social Investment Programme.
Speaking through the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, the First Lady said the initiative was designed to improve access to nutritious food while strengthening community support systems for vulnerable Nigerians.
Mrs Tinubu said, “The Food Outreach Scheme was launched in March 2024 to provide food items to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, thereby supporting their families and improving their well-being.”
She explained that the programme is sustained through the commitment of two donors who supply two truckloads of food items to the Renewed Hope Initiative every month, enabling two states to benefit monthly.
According to her, the food items distributed in Ondo State were donated by the Abdusamad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), while another donor who preferred anonymity also supports the programme.
The First Lady noted that the intervention complements President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by addressing food insecurity and malnutrition while giving vulnerable Nigerians the opportunity to pursue their aspirations regardless of their circumstances.
She also commended Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his commitment to the welfare of the people and praised the governor’s wife, Mrs Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, for supporting the implementation of the initiative in the state.
In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the programme as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing poverty and improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
“The programme goes beyond food distribution. It is a celebration of compassion, solidarity and our shared commitment to improving the lives of the less privileged,” the governor said.
He commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for identifying and addressing pressing needs within communities, adding that the intervention reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling poverty across the country.
Reaffirming his administration’s support for the Federal Government, Aiyedatiwa said the programme aligns with the state’s OUR EASE Development Agenda, particularly its focus on improving the welfare, dignity and resilience of women, children and families.
The governor also reiterated Ondo State’s political support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“We have already declared Ondo State for Tinubu 2027 and we remain unwavering in our resolve to deliver en masse in the Sunshine State for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term,” he said.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to implement policies that enhance food availability, affordability and access across the state.
Earlier, the wife of the governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Abosede Adelami, described the outreach as “a demonstration of compassionate leadership,” noting that it was “not only about distributing food items but also about restoring dignity, extending compassion and reaffirming commitment to the welfare of the people.”
She expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her continued support for vulnerable families across the country, saying the First Lady’s vision has consistently focused on bringing hope and practical assistance to women, children, widows, persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of ASR Africa, Dr Ubin Udoh, said the organisation was proud to partner with the Renewed Hope Initiative in delivering interventions that provide relief, restore dignity, build resilient communities and improve lives.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adelami; 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, Titilola Adeleke, Bamidele Abiodun and Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, as well as other government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and heads of security agencies.
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