By Muhammad Ahmed Dan Asabe Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, made a bold declaration on Monday, stating that no citizen of Kogi State should go to bed hungry under his watch. This statement was made at the official flag-off of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Programme in Lokoja.
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 to reach more vulnerable households. He praised the Food Outreach programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative as a "timely and compassionate" intervention that aligns with the state government's vision to uplift citizens struggling with economic hardship.
The Governor 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. He assured that his administration will continue to implement economic policies that uplift its citizens.
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.
Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice President, represented the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the event. She emphasized the need for the food items to reach the intended beneficiaries, warning against reselling the supplies. "This initiative is not just about food; it is about restoring dignity, giving hope, and providing relief to the most vulnerable among us," she stated.
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.
Earlier, Kogi State First Lady and RHI State Coordinator, Hajiya Safinat Usman Ododo, commended the First Lady's intervention for 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.
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