Renewed Hope Initiative: FIRST LADY DISTRIBUTES FOOD ITEMS TO THE VULNERABLE IN ONDO STATE
• Food outreach reflects Tinubu’s anti-poverty drive, says Gov Aiyedatiwa
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has intensified efforts to address hunger and child malnutrition through the establishment of community food banks and expanded food outreach programmes under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The initiative, aimed at improving access to nutritious food and strengthening community support systems, was extended to Ondo State on Tuesday as vulnerable groups benefited from the RHI Social Investment Programme Food Outreach Scheme held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure.
Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, Mrs Tinubu said the intervention is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians and ensuring children have the opportunity to grow, remain healthy and thrive.
She 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.
According to her, the programme was made possible through the commitment of two donors who provide two truckloads of food items to the Renewed Hope Initiative every month, allowing two states to benefit monthly.
She identified the donors as the Abdusamad Rabiu Africa Initiative and another donor who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that the consignment delivered to Ondo State was provided by the Abdusamad Rabiu Africa Initiative.
The First Lady said the Renewed Hope Initiative complements the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, by supporting Nigerians to pursue their aspirations irrespective of their circumstances or status, while addressing food insecurity and malnutrition.
She commended Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his commitment to the welfare and development of the people of the state.
She also praised the wife of the governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, for her dedication to the successful implementation of Renewed Hope Initiative programmes and support for vulnerable groups.
In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the intervention as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to alleviating poverty and supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
The governor said the programme went beyond food distribution, describing it as a celebration of compassion, solidarity and a shared commitment to improving the lives of the less privileged.
He commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its vision and dedication to identifying and addressing pressing needs within communities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for supporting the initiative, saying it reflected the President’s commitment to reducing poverty across the country.
He reaffirmed the Ondo State Government’s loyalty and commitment to Federal Government programmes, noting that such initiatives had positively impacted the Sunshine State.
The governor reiterated his administration’s political support for President Tinubu, declaring that Ondo State had already endorsed the President for 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.
The Governor said the outreach aligns with the “OUR EASE” Development Agenda of his administration, particularly its focus on promoting the welfare, dignity and resilience of women, children and families.
He stressed that food security remains central to human dignity and social stability, noting that adequate access to food enables children to learn better, reduces the burden on parents and strengthens the workforce.
He assured that his administration would continue to pursue policies that enhance food availability, affordability and access across Ondo State.
Addressing beneficiaries, the governor urged them to see the programme as part of ongoing efforts to build resilient communities through social investments that uphold human dignity.
Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated the organisers of the programme led by his wife, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, and other stakeholders for ensuring the success of the event.
In her welcome address, Mrs Esther Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed government’s commitment to the objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative, pledging continued collaboration with the Federal Government to expand support for vulnerable residents through social intervention programmes.
Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Abosede Adelami, the governor’s wife described the food outreach as a demonstration of compassionate leadership, saying it was not only about distributing food items but also about restoring dignity, extending compassion and reaffirming commitment to the welfare of the people.
Mrs Aiyedatiwa expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her commitment to supporting vulnerable families across the country.
She said the First Lady’s vision has consistently focused on bringing hope, relief and practical support to women, children, persons with disabilities, widows and other vulnerable groups.
In his goodwill message, the Managing Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), Dr Ubin Udoh, said the organisation was proud to partner with the Renewed Hope Initiative in supporting interventions that provide relief, restore dignity, build resilient communities and help people prosper.
He explained that ASR Africa is the personal philanthropic fund of Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, established in 2021 with an annual commitment of $`100 million to provide interventions and solutions in health, education and social development.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; wives of governors of Osun, Ogun and Jigawa States, Titilola Adeleke, Bamidele Abiodun and Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi; wife of Minister of Health, Hajiya Karime Pate; wife of Minister of Interior, Mrs Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo;
Head of Service, Chief Olusegun Odusola; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Seun Osamaye; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; Local Government Chairmen; traditional and religious leaders; heads of security agencies, among others.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 28, 2026.