AIYEDATIWA TO DISTRIBUTE 1,800 BAGS OF RICE TO WIDOWS, PWDS, OTHERS

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will distribute 1,800 bags of rice and other relief items to vulnerable residents under the Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Programme of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The beneficiaries include widows, persons with disabilities, women and other vulnerable groups across the state.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, disclosed this during a media briefing in Akure, the state capital, on Monday.

The commissioner said the intervention formed part of two empowerment programmes approved by the governor, noting that the present administration remained committed to the welfare and prosperity of the people of the state.

Osamaye said, “The first programme is the Food Outreach and Empowerment Programme for specific gender and vulnerable groups, targeting widows, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and other vulnerable members of our society. The prevailing economic realities have undoubtedly placed enormous pressure on many households.

“As a responsive and compassionate government, we remain committed to cushioning these challenges by implementing targeted interventions that directly improve the living conditions of our most vulnerable citizens. A total of 1,800 bags of rice will be distributed to the groups.

“Through this programme, deserving beneficiaries across the state will receive food items and essential support aimed at alleviating hardship, restoring dignity and improving household welfare.

“Beyond the distribution of relief materials, this intervention reflects the compassionate and inclusive leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa, whose administration remains committed to ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the state’s development journey.”

The commissioner explained that the programme would provide immediate relief to vulnerable households, promote social inclusion and improve the quality of life of beneficiaries, “as well as strengthen public confidence in government-driven social intervention programmes.”

“It will also encourage self-reliance and restore hope and dignity among widows, persons with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable groups,” she said.

According to her, the second programme is the Sensitisation and Empowerment of Women on Gender Equality and Adequate Representation in Governance, also known as the Project 774 Explode Initiative.

“This initiative is designed to inspire, educate, enlighten and empower women on the importance of participating actively in governance and decision-making processes. Despite the invaluable contributions of women to nation-building, their representation in elective and appointive positions remains below expectation.

“It is therefore imperative to continue creating platforms that prepare women to occupy leadership positions with confidence and competence. Through this programme, participants will benefit from intensive sessions on gender equality, leadership development, political participation, advocacy, mentorship, networking opportunities and capacity building that will equip them with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to aspire and excel in leadership responsibilities at all levels.”

She added that the programmes were strategic interventions and investments in human capital development, social inclusion and sustainable community development, noting that they reaffirm the commitment of the state government to building an inclusive society where every woman is empowered to contribute meaningfully to governance and where vulnerable citizens receive the care, protection and support they deserve.