The wife of the Governor of Rivers State, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that about 6,800 families have so far, benefitted from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) programme in Rivers State.
Fubara made the disclosure on Thursday during the distribution of food items to vulnerable groups at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The gesture is part of the Social Investments Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative, the pet project of Sen Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The First Lady of Rivers State said that beyond the distribution of food items, the programme has supported the people of the state through the provision of local and foreign scholarships as well as funding for agriculture and social investments.
The Renewed Hope Initiative, Fubara said, has stood with the people of Rivers State via women empowerment programmes, assistance to petty traders , support for persons living with disabilities, elderly care initiatives and other interventions.
According to her, these interventions have positively touched thousands of lives across communities in Rivers State, as over 1,800 families benefitted directly from Thursday’s food distribution scheme.
“Today’s outreach programme is another practical demonstration of compassionate leadership and people- centred governance. At a time when many families are facing economic challenges, initiatives such as this remind our people that they are not forgotten. Beyond the distribution of food items, this programme represents hope, care, dignity, and support for vulnerable households across Rivers State.
“As a government, we remain committed to initiatives that directly improve the lives of our people, especially women, youths , the elderly, and vulnerable households. We believe that true development is not only measured by infrastructure, but also by the extent to which lives are positively impacted,” she said.
Fubara expressed profound gratitude to the First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen Oluremi Tinubu for conceiving the Renewed Hope Initiative and rendering assistance to the needy and vulnerable in the society. She also extended her appreciation to the Renewed Hope Initiative Office in Rivers State as well as the Wives of Governors from about 20 States who graced the occasion.
Meanwhile, the First Lady Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen Oluremi Tinubu has commended the First Lady of Rivers State, Her Excellency Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara for her commitment to the success of all the Renewed Hope Initiative programmes in Rivers State.
Tinubu, who was represented at the occasion by a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Betta Edu, stated that the Food Outreach Scheme under the Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investments Programme was launched in March 2024 to provide food items to persons with disability and other vulnerable groups in order to support them and their families.
According to Tinubu, the act of kindness has been made possible through the generous support of two donors who have committed to supplying two truckloads of food items to the Renewed Hope Initiative every month.
“Our goal at the RHI is to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR which aims to support all Nigerians to thrive and fulfil their goals irrespective of their condition or status,” she said.
Tinubu said that the scheme had successfully distributed food items to 25 states including the Federal Capital Territory, making Rivers State, the 26th beneficiaries.
