By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

The Ondo State Government has commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the unprecedented attention given to women and youths in the state.

The government noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has rekindled confidence and created opportunities for many to rise above poverty.

The commendation came from the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye, during the distribution of agricultural support materials to 300 women across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The event, held in Akure, was part of the RHI/FMA Agricultural support Programme and Empowerment

Osamaye affirmed that the programme has significantly impacted the lives of women and youths in Ondo State.

According to her, the Renewed Hope Initiative, a social intervention programme under the leadership of Nigeria’s First Lady in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, has brought considerable relief and empowerment to women, girls, and youths in the state since January 2024.

“A series of impactful programmes and donations have been rolled out across the state, targeting vulnerable groups, especially women, schoolgirls, and students in tertiary institutions,” she stated.

She described the interventions as unprecedented, providing succour to many families, and noted that women and girls in the state have never before benefited so extensively from any programme linked to the office of the First Lady at the federal level.

Among the key interventions highlighted were the distribution of 50,000 exercise books handed over to the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board for distribution to pupils in basic education classes,bursary awards given to 100 female students of Ondo State origin studying education-related courses in public tertiary institutions,donation of 1,200 bags of rice on June 20, 2024, distributed to indigents and vulnerable women across the state.

She stated further that twenty selected women farmers received N500,000 each,totalling N10 million to boost agricultural productivity, while on economic empowerment, she revealed that 1,000 women petty traders benefitted from a N50 million recapitalisation grant, with each trader receiving N50,000 to support and expand their businesses.

Additionally, she informed that the state received 5,000 bundles of the national Unity Fabric (OneNigeria), which were distributed among various groups, including government officials, for the 2024 Independence Day celebration.

Speaking on support for the elderly, Osamaye disclosed that in December 2024, a total of N50 million was disbursed, with 250 elderly beneficiaries each receiving N200,000, while 60 youths (both male and female) from the state were shortlisted for the upcoming RHI/Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Internship Scheme, aimed at nurturing future entrepreneurs.

Other interventions, she said included various agricultural support funds and the donation of five solar energy units, which were distributed to selected indigent women to improve access to clean and sustainable energy.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Oluseyi Odusola, praised the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as a fresh and impactful dimension of women’s empowerment.

She also commended the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for providing an enabling environment for women and the vulnerable to thrive.

The event was well-attended by women stakeholders across the state, who delivered various goodwill messages. They lauded the initiative and appreciated the state governor for his commitment to gender-friendly policies.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) State Woman Leader, Mrs Mojisola Lijoka, expressed delight at the initiative, stating that women across the state were excited about the support. She advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items provided to them.

Similarly, a former State Woman Leader, Mrs Aarinola Animola, thanked the current administration for its continuous dedication to women’s development.

Also speaking, the former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Olubunmi Osadaun, appreciated the First Lady of Nigeria for spearheading such a remarkable initiative.

She also acknowledged the state G
governor for his unwavering passion for empowering women and promoting self-sufficiency.