By Joan Nwagwu
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Scheme has reached Zamfara as its 25th beneficiary state, aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians nationwide.
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, disclosed this on Thursday during the donation of food items to vulnerable groups in Gusau.
Tinubu, represented by the Wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, said the initiative was designed to provide food support to persons with disabilities, vulnerable households and other disadvantaged groups.
She said the programme, which commenced in March 2024, had so far reached 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before the inclusion of Zamfara.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative is designed to provide food support to vulnerable Nigerians, especially persons with disabilities and low-income households across the country.
“The programme ensures equitable distribution of food items to cushion hardship and strengthen social welfare delivery.
“Our goal is to complement government efforts in improving the living conditions of Nigerians through targeted humanitarian interventions,” she said.
Tinubu said the outreach was sustained through donor support, with food items distributed to states on a rotational basis.
She added that the intervention complemented federal government efforts aimed at improving the living conditions of Nigerians through targeted humanitarian programmes.
According to her, Rivers will be the next beneficiary of the scheme.
The First Lady also announced plans for additional empowerment programmes targeting women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities nationwide.
She further disclosed plans to establish a National Community Food Bank project to address child malnutrition and strengthen nutrition support systems in collaboration with relevant federal agencies.
Tinubu commended the Zamfara State Government and the state’s First Lady for their support toward the success of the programme.
She assured that the food items would be distributed fairly and transparently to beneficiaries and urged stakeholders to continue supporting the initiative to expand its reach across the country.