Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has made a bold declaration that no citizen of the state should go to bed hungry under his administration. This promise was made during the official launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Programme in Lokoja on Monday.
The programme, spearheaded by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aims to provide food interventions for vulnerable groups in communities across the states. Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to food security, emphasizing that Kogi State will support the federal government’s intervention and expand its own quarterly food distribution programme.
The governor described the Food Outreach programme as a “timely and compassionate” intervention that aligns with his administration’s vision to uplift citizens struggling with economic hardship. He also reiterated his commitment to women and youth empowerment, noting that Kogi State has surpassed the 35% affirmative action for women inclusion in government appointments and elective positions.
Governor Ododo urged Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, assuring that Kogi State remains fully aligned with the federal government’s economic recovery and social welfare programmes. He also commended the First Lady’s intervention for her role in easing the hardships faced by the less privileged in the state.
Hajia Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice President, who represented the First Lady at the event, emphasized the need for the food items to reach the intended beneficiaries. She warned against reselling the supplies and encouraged recipients to utilize the support effectively to improve their well-being.
Shettima noted that the RHI Food Outreach Programme has already impacted citizens in multiple states, with plans for further expansion. Other components of the initiative include grants for People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs), climate change awareness programmes for students, and the ‘Flow with Confidence’ Initiative, which provides sanitary wears to young girls in rural areas to support school attendance.
Kogi State First Lady and RHI State Coordinator, Hajia Safinat Usman Ododo, commended the First Lady’s intervention for her role in easing the hardships faced by the less privileged in the state. She reiterated the dedication of Kogi women to national development efforts and pledged to collaborate with communities to address their needs effectively.
The Renewed Hope Initiative Food Outreach Programme is a significant step towards addressing hunger and poverty in Kogi State. With the governor’s commitment to food security and women and youth empowerment, the state is poised to make significant progress in the coming years.
