In a resounding demonstration of commitment to Nigeria’s underserved communities, First Lady and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, launched the RHI Food Outreach in Ekiti State on Thursday. This pivotal initiative, aimed at alleviating hunger among vulnerable populations, saw the distribution of essential food items to individuals with disabilities, widows, students in special needs schools, and other at-risk groups within the state.
Senator Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman of RHI, articulated her mission of improving lives through food security and community empowerment. In her address at the Osuntokun Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, she emphasized that the outreach is more than just a program; it’s a testament to her commitment to lifting up Nigeria’s underserved citizens, particularly women, children, and the elderly, who are often disproportionately affected by economic challenges.
“Today, as we launch this program in Ekiti State, our mission is to extend support across all geopolitical zones,” Senator Tinubu affirmed. “A healthy family is the bedrock of a thriving society, which is our ultimate goal. The Renewed Hope Initiative is committed to enhancing lives through targeted programs in food security, health, education, agriculture, and economic empowerment.”
The food packages, which included staples like rice, beans, spaghetti, and garri, were carefully curated to provide nutritional support to thousands of families in Ekiti State. Senator Tinubu further announced plans to expand the outreach to other regions in the coming months, reflecting her vision of ensuring that no vulnerable community is left unsupported.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s overarching objectives to combat poverty and hunger nationwide. “By supporting food security at the grassroots level, we address a fundamental need, providing stability and dignity to families across Nigeria,” Senator Tinubu stated. “Our commitment through RHI extends beyond relief; it’s about empowering communities and building resilience.”
The outreach event was a celebration of unity, resilience, and gratitude. Dignitaries including Ekiti State’s Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, and numerous community leaders joined the event to lend their support to the First Lady’s efforts. Cultural performances from women’s groups and the Ekiti State Performing Arts Company added a vibrant backdrop, underscoring Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and the diversity of the communities RHI is dedicated to serving.
Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Wife of the Ekiti State Governor and RHI State Coordinator, commended the First Lady’s vision, expressing profound appreciation for her focus on food security. “This initiative offers hope and a tangible commitment to meeting the basic needs of our people,” Dr. Oyebanji said. “Senator Tinubu’s dedication through the Renewed Hope Initiative exemplifies her unwavering resolve to uplift the lives of Nigerians.”
Among the beneficiaries, Mr. Biodun Agboola spoke passionately about the transformative impact of the First Lady’s outreach. “This initiative shows that we are seen, that our struggles are acknowledged,” he shared. “Thanks to the First Lady’s compassion and dedication, people with disabilities in Ekiti State are receiving the support they need.”
The outreach also served as a platform to spotlight the Ekiti State government’s ongoing efforts under Governor Oyebanji’s administration to improve the well-being of people with disabilities. With programs designed to promote inclusion and provide essential services, the state is taking meaningful steps to address the unique challenges faced by disabled citizens.
As the day concluded, it was clear that the RHI Food Outreach brought more than just food to Ekiti; it brought a renewed sense of hope and solidarity. The program’s success is a promising start to an initiative that holds the potential to transform lives across Nigeria. Through this outreach, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative is proving itself a lifeline for vulnerable communities, reinforcing the essential truth that no Nigerian should go without basic sustenance or support.
With plans to continue this vital mission in other regions, RHI is setting a powerful precedent in combating poverty, hunger, and social inequities, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that touches the lives of Nigeria’s most disadvantaged citizens.
