Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has restated the federal government’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable groups through the expansion of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)’s Food Outreach Scheme.
Speaking at an RHI event in Umuahia, Abia State, where food items were handed over to the state’s RHI Coordinator, Mrs Priscilla Otti, the wife of the state governor, Mrs Tinubu, said the initiative, launched on 8 March 2024, remains focused on delivering food relief to women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities nationwide.
Represented by the Wife of the Vice President and Vice Chair of RHI, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady said:
“As I hand over these essential food commodities to Abia State, I urge beneficiaries to use them to support their families. We are proud that RHI’s efforts are producing tangible results.”
The scheme has so far reached 11 states and the FCT, with Enugu and Kaduna set to benefit next. It is supported by the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and an anonymous donor, targeting one state per month.
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Mrs Tinubu also announced new programmes under RHI’s five pillars, Social Investment, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Agriculture, beginning in 2025. These include:
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Environmental Awareness: In partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment, RHI will establish ‘The Environment Club’ in secondary schools and ‘The Environment Society’ in tertiary institutions to encourage environmental cleanliness and tree planting.
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Economic Empowerment: Grants of ₦200,000 each will be awarded to 250 persons with disabilities in all 36 states and the FCT to boost their small businesses.
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Education Support: The Flow with Confidence initiative will provide 10,000 packs of sanitary pads to girls, particularly in rural areas, to help them remain in school during their menstrual cycle.
Mrs Tinubu said these initiatives align with the broader goals of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, welcomed the initiative and expressed his administration’s willingness to work with RHI to improve the lives of the vulnerable. His wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti, noted the food programme’s transformative impact on families across the state.
Also speaking at the event, ASR Africa Managing Director Dr Ubon Udoh praised RHI’s sustainable interventions and reaffirmed continued support for the programme.
