By Joan Nwagwu
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has extended its food intervention programme to Ondo State, targeting vulnerable groups and households.
This is contained in a statement signed and issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mrs Kwapchi Hamman, Special Assistant to the President on Media and ICT, Office of the Vice President.
The outreach, which involved the distribution of assorted food items to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable residents, increased the number of beneficiary states under the programme to 28.
Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the initiative was part of efforts to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
She said the programme had continued to provide relief to families facing food challenges while supporting efforts to tackle hunger and malnutrition across the country.
“The food outreach programme has continued to make significant impact by providing essential food items to families, particularly persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups,” she said.
Tinubu disclosed that the intervention was sustained through donors providing two truckloads of food items monthly for distribution to two states.
She stated that the food items presented in Ondo were donated by the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), appreciating its commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
The First Lady also highlighted the National Community Food Bank Project, designed to improve access to nutritious food, reduce child malnutrition and strengthen community support systems.
“The project is aimed at improving access to nutritious food, reducing child malnutrition and strengthening community support systems nationwide,” Tinubu said.
She added that the project had commenced in the North-East and North-West geopolitical zones, with plans to extend it to other regions.
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo described the intervention as a demonstration of commitment toward improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
“The donation represents a shared commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable members of society by restoring dignity, resilience and hope,” Aiyedatiwa said.
Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, Ondo Coordinator of RHI, described the programme as a noble intervention aimed at building an inclusive society and supporting vulnerable households.
Represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Abosede Adelami, she said the food distribution would provide relief to residents in need across the state.
The Managing Director of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sustaining partnerships that empower communities, improve livelihoods and create lasting impact.
“The partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative reflects our commitment to supporting programmes that create lasting impact in communities,” Udoh said.
The RHI food outreach programme, which commenced in 2024, has now reached 28 states, extending support to vulnerable Nigerians across the country.