Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday hosted the Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Her Excellency Hajia Nana Shettima, who represented the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, at the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme – Food Outreach Scheme held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure.
The programme, hosted by the Ondo State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development,under the leadership of its commissioner, Seun Bosede Osamaye brought together government officials, development partners, traditional rulers, religious leaders and hundreds of vulnerable residents who benefited from the distribution of food items aimed at cushioning the effects of the nation's economic challenges.
Representing the First Lady, Hajia Nana Shettima reaffirmed Senator Oluremi Tinubu's commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Initiative. She noted that the intervention reflects the First Lady's vision of restoring hope, promoting social inclusion and providing practical support to women, children, widows, persons with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable groups across the country.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa described the programme as more than a food distribution exercise, saying it was a celebration of compassion, solidarity and the collective commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable citizens. He commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its grassroots impact and applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for supporting social investment programmes that continue to alleviate poverty and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to partnering with the Federal Government in implementing people-oriented programmes, stressing that the initiative aligns with his administration's OUR EASE Development Agenda, particularly in promoting the welfare, dignity and resilience of women, children and families. He emphasized that food security remains fundamental to human dignity and assured residents that his government would continue implementing policies that improve food availability, affordability and accessibility across Ondo State.
Addressing beneficiaries, Governor Aiyedatiwa encouraged them to receive the food items with gratitude, describing the packages as symbols of government's care and commitment to ensuring that vulnerable citizens are not left behind. He also called for orderly distribution and urged beneficiaries to see the intervention as part of a sustained effort to build resilient communities through continuous social investment.
The Governor appreciated all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme, particularly the Wife of the Governor and Ondo State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Her Excellency Mrs. Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, development partners and members of the organizing committee for their dedication to the successful implementation of the initiative.
Earlier, a welcome address on behalf of the Wife of the Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Mrs. Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, was delivered by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Olubukola Abosede Adelami. The address described the outreach as more than a humanitarian intervention, noting that it represents compassion, dignity and a renewed commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable citizens. It also reaffirmed Ondo State's support for the Renewed Hope Initiative and other programmes aimed at empowering women and vulnerable families.
Delivering a goodwill message, Dr. Ubon Udoh, Managing Director of the Tony Elumelu Foundation for Africa who doubles as the donor praised the Renewed Hope Initiative for its far-reaching impact and reaffirmed the Foundation's commitment to partnering on programmes that restore dignity, strengthen families and build resilient communities across Africa.