The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has extended its food outreach programme to Ondo State, with vulnerable residents receiving food items to support efforts to tackle hunger and malnutrition.
The intervention comes amid growing global concerns over food insecurity and rising living costs, which continue to put pressure on vulnerable households and underscore the need for stronger social protection and food assistance programmes.
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The intervention was held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the initiative was part of efforts to support vulnerable Nigerians and ensure children have access to adequate nutrition.
She said the Food Outreach Scheme, launched in March 2024, provides food items to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
According to her, Ondo is the 28th state to benefit from the programme, which has so far reached 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Senator Tinubu said the intervention was supported by the Abdusamad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and another donor who preferred to remain anonymous.
She also disclosed that the National Community Food Bank project had been launched in the North-East and North-West zones, with the South-West zonal launch scheduled for August 2026.
The First Lady commended Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his wife, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, for their support for the initiative and welfare of vulnerable residents.
She formally handed over the food items to Mrs Aiyedatiwa for onward distribution to beneficiaries.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described the intervention as a demonstration of compassion and the Federal Government’s commitment to alleviating poverty and supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
He said food security remained critical to human dignity and social stability, assuring that his administration would continue to pursue policies that improve food availability, affordability and access across Ondo State.
The governor said the intervention aligned with his administration’s “OUR EASE” Development Agenda, particularly its focus on the welfare and resilience of women, children and families.
In her remarks, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government to expand social intervention programmes for vulnerable residents.
She said the initiative would help ease the burden on families facing economic hardship, adding that support for vulnerable groups also included skills training, livelihood assistance and access to social services.
The Managing Director of ASR Africa, Dr Ubin Udoh, said the organisation was proud to partner with the RHI to support interventions aimed at providing relief, restoring dignity and building resilient communities.
He assured the people of Ondo State of ASR Africa’s continued partnership in initiatives that improve lives and empower families and communities.
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