By Gbenga Akingbule.
First Lady of Nigeria and Wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday launched a Food Outreach Scheme aimed at assisting Women, People Living With Disabilities, and other vulnerable people in Abia State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the program was carried our the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), under its Social Investment Program, officially commenced on March 8, 2024.
Supported by two industrialists—The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and a second donor who has chosen to remain anonymous—RHI has successfully reached eleven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the program was first launched.
According to a statement released by the Special Assistant to President, Office of Vice President, Hon. Kwapchi Bata Hamman, states that benefited so far include, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Oyo. Enugu and Kaduna States are next in line for the outreach.
A symbolic Presentation was made by Mrs Tinubu who was represented at the occasion by the Wife of the Vice President and Vice Chairman of RHI, Hajiya Nana Shettima at the International Conference Center in Umuahia, Abia State capital.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to supporting women and vulnerable groups. She expressed her profound appreciation to the donors for their continued support of the Initiative.
“As I hand over these essential food commodities to Abia State and the RHI State Coordinator, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti, Wife of the Governor of Abia State, for onward distribution to vulnerable groups, I urge the beneficiaries to use these items for the well-being of their families,” she said.
“We at RHI are implementing several impactful interventions that are touching lives across the nation, and we are pleased that our efforts are yielding positive outcomes,” The First Lady said.
Upcoming Activities Under RHI
Senator Tinubu further revealed that the Initiative would roll out additional programs in 2025 under RHI’s five core pillars. Under Social Investment, RHI is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Environment to establish “The Environment Club” for senior secondary school students and “The Environment Society” for students in tertiary institutions nationwide. These initiatives aim to promote environmental cleanliness and tree planting.
Under Economic Empowerment, RHI plans to disburse grants of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦200,000) each to 250 persons with disabilities in all 36 states and the FCT to support and recapitalize their small businesses.
In the area of Education, the “Flow with Confidence” program will distribute 10,000 packs of sanitary pads—enough to last a year—to young girls, particularly those in rural communities. This initiative aims to help girls stay in school throughout their menstrual cycle.
These programs, according to the First Lady, are designed to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and to improve the lives of Nigerians across the country.
Senator Tinubu also commended Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti, Wife of the Governor of Abia State, for her outstanding efforts and support in ensuring the success of the RHI Food Outreach and other related programs in the state.
Governor Alex Otti, speaking on behalf of the Abia State Government, declared his administration’s readiness to partner with organizations like RHI that aim to uplift the vulnerable. He applauded Senator Tinubu’s commitment and the tangible impacts of the RHI outreach.
Receiving the items, Mrs. Priscilla Otti highlighted the significant impact of the Food Outreach on the health, nutrition, and general well-being of families in the state.
“This intervention has transformed many lives,” she stated. She assured the First Lady of her continuous support and affirmed that the items would be distributed to individuals from diverse backgrounds to meet the program’s objectives.
Dr. Ubon Udoh, Managing Director of ASR Africa and representative of BUA, emphasized the sustainable impact of RHI and assured of the continued support of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative.
