Remi Tinubu’s Hope Initiative Brings Food Aid to Ogun Residents

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has promised to keep supporting vulnerable Nigerians through the Food Outreach Scheme of the Renewed Hope Initiative. This program has reached Ogun State, providing food items to those in need.

Senator Tinubu spoke on Wednesday at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta during the food distribution to residents facing hardship.

Hajiya Nana Shettima, the wife of the Vice President, represented her. She said the initiative is meant to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by helping families and individuals struggling financially.

She said the program shows the commitment of the Renewed Hope Initiative to better family welfare. It aims to ensure that vulnerable Nigerians receive help regardless of their social status.

"This Food Outreach Scheme is to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration by ensuring that every Nigerian is catered for, irrespective of their social status," she stated.

The First Lady explained that the scheme continues thanks to two donors who send two truckloads of food every month to the Renewed Hope Initiative. One donor is the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, while the other has chosen to stay anonymous.

She mentioned that the outreach has reached the Federal Capital Territory and 31 other states, with Ogun being the latest state to benefit from the program.

Mrs Tinubu thanked the donors for their kindness and commitment to helping vulnerable Nigerians. She also praised Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, for their work in improving the lives of residents.

Governor Abiodun praised the Renewed Hope Initiative for supporting vulnerable groups in the state. He said caring for disadvantaged citizens is a sign of a society’s commitment to the well-being of its people.

The governor added that measuring a society’s strength goes beyond just wealth. It also includes how it cares for those whose needs are often ignored.

He stressed that tackling poverty requires a broad approach. This includes not just financial help but also healthcare, nutrition, education, skills development, employment, and chances for self-reliance.

Abiodun pointed out that the elderly, persons living with disabilities, widows, disadvantaged children, and vulnerable households need ongoing support through government policies and social programs.

He commended Senator Tinubu for enhancing the Federal Government’s economic reforms with programs aimed at easing the immediate effects of economic challenges on vulnerable Nigerians.

The governor promised that his administration would support programs that encourage social inclusion, food security, agriculture, youth empowerment, and access to essential services.

He also urged government officials, community leaders, and religious organizations to ensure social programs reach those in need, done transparently and with dignity.

Earlier, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, the wife of the Ogun State Governor, called the Food Outreach Scheme an initiative of the First Lady aimed at improving family welfare and giving direct support to vulnerable Nigerians.

She noted that the program has been extended to various parts of the country, starting with Kwara State.

Mrs Abiodun said bringing the scheme to Ogun shows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady’s commitment to tackling the issues facing vulnerable households.

She added that this initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially those focused on eradicating poverty and hunger and promoting good health and well-being.

The Ogun First Lady also praised President Tinubu for the economic reforms his administration is implementing. She noted that social initiatives are vital for helping families deal with economic challenges while also working towards a stronger and more prosperous society.

The event highlighted the formal handover of food items to Mrs Bamidele Abiodun for distribution to selected beneficiaries across Ogun State.

Launched in Kwara State in March 2024, under the Social Investment Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative, the Food Outreach Scheme gives nutritional help to persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

The program aims to strengthen family welfare, improve access to food, and expand support for disadvantaged Nigerians nationwide.