RHI extends food relief to persons with disabilities in Ogun

…as Oluremi Tinubu reaffirms commitment to vulnerable Nigerians

In a sustained effort to reach out to the vulnerable populations across states of Nigeria, The Renewed Hope initiative has Presented Assorted Food items to Persons with Disabilities and other Vulnerable Individuals in Ogun State, making it the thirty-second state to benefit from the programme.

The Food Outreach Programme is designed under the social investment scope of RHI to provide food assistance to those with disabilities, widows and other vulnerable individuals to cushion their immediate needs by supplying 2 truckloads of food items monthly for onward distribution by Wives of Governors who are the State Coordinators of RHI.

The programme, supported by an anonymous donor and the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, has remained consistent in this area since inception in 2024

Making the formal presentation in Abeokuta, the Capital of Ogun State, on behalf of The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, said the intervention reflects the RHI’s continued commitment to providing nutritional support to vulnerable Nigerians

Hajiya Nana Shettima reiterated that the Renewed Hope initiative is committed to the welfare of vulnerable groups in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

While announcing Akwa Ibom as the next beneficiary State, Senator Oluremi Tinubu identified ASR Africa as the supplier of the food items handed over to Ogun State.

She commended the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his hospitality and appreciated Mrs Bamidele Abiodun for her commitment to implementing Renewed Hope Initiative programmes and facilitating support for vulnerable residents.

“On this note, to the glory of God and for the benefit of humanity, I hereby hand over these food items to the First Lady of Ogun State for onward distribution to the beneficiaries.” Senator Oluremi Tinubu

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun commended the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for its interventions in supporting vulnerable groups, assuring that his administration will continue to work with the Federal Government to improve the welfare of the people.

He said, “Genuine progress is measured by the comfort of the elderly, the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, access to education for children, and the ability of widows to provide for their families.”

The Governor stressed that the needs of vulnerable citizens must remain central to public policy, noting that every beneficiary represents a story of responsibility, dignity and fulfilment.

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On food security, which is one of the goals of the Food Distribution Scheme, Governor Abiodun observed that sustainable solutions must extend beyond food production to include modern agricultural practices, processing, marketing and the development of rural enterprises that makes agriculture more productive and rewarding.

He also acknowledged the importance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies in stimulating grassroots economic activities, noting that targeted interventions are essential to improving livelihoods and strengthening the local economy.

Governor Abiodun further commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its impact on farmers, breastfeeding mothers and other vulnerable groups, emphasising that “vulnerability does not diminish an individual’s capacity or worth and should never be a basis for exclusion.”

Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, wife of Ogun State Governor, described the Initiative’s interventions as practical demonstrations of care and support for vulnerable Nigerians, noting that the First Lady’s dedication to the well-being of families serves as an inspiration to wives of governors across the country.

Mrs Abiodun noted that these initiatives contribute to improving livelihoods, strengthening household incomes and creating opportunities for individuals and families to achieve greater economic stability.

The Ogun State First Lady expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for sustaining the interventions across the country, particularly for their focus on reaching vulnerable groups and providing direct support to those who need it most.

The Managing Director of ASR Africa, one of the donors, Dr Ubon Udoh, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to restoring dignity to families across Nigeria, noting that it allocates an annual budget of $100 million for interventions, with 50 per cent earmarked for Nigeria.

He highlighted the partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) as a strategic collaboration aimed at delivering lasting impact and improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.

ASR Africa also appreciated the efforts of those implementing and driving the project across the states, assuring that the organisation would remain a committed and supportive partner in advancing the welfare of vulnerable communities.

The food items were formally handed over by the representative of the First Lady, Hajiya Nana Shettima, to the Ogun State First Lady for onward distribution to the intended beneficiaries