The wife of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Mrs. Martina Nentawe Yilwatda, has empowered no fewer than 1,378 rural women in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State with food items and cash assistance.

The support programme was carried out through her initiative, the CHAYAH Hope Foundation, during an outreach held at the Kanke Local Government headquarters. The intervention was designed to uplift vulnerable women by providing welfare support, promoting skills acquisition, expanding access to education and healthcare services, and encouraging economic empowerment.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Dominic Ritji Yilkudi on behalf of the foundation, Dr. Yilwatda emphasised that empowering women at the grassroots level is essential for strengthening families and communities.

“Rural women are the backbone of local economies and deserve structured support and encouragement,” she stated.

According to the statement, beneficiaries of the programme included widows, single mothers and elderly women, many of whom expressed appreciation for the assistance.

One of the beneficiaries, Hajiya Aisha Mustapha, described the support as both timely and life-saving.

“This food and money will feed my children for days. I am a widow, and things have been very difficult. Today, I feel remembered. May Almighty Allah bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, bless Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and bless Dr. Mrs. Martina for remembering poor women like us,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Naomi Yilgwan, noted that the initiative restored her sense of hope and confidence.

“Sometimes we feel forgotten in the villages, but today shows that someone is thinking about us. This is more than food; it is love and encouragement,” she said.

Mrs. Cynthia Moses also described the intervention as coming at a critical moment.

“I have been worried about how to provide for my children this month. This support has lifted a heavy burden from my heart. I pray that God will reward President Tinubu, Prof. Nentawe, and especially Dr. Martina, with long life and wisdom to continue helping the poor,” she said.

A younger beneficiary, Miss Deborah Nungyil, described the experience as unforgettable.

“This is my first time receiving this kind of help. It gives me hope that better days are coming. I am grateful, and I will also help others when I have the means,” she said.

Community leaders present at the event commended the initiative, particularly the transparent and orderly manner in which the distribution was carried out.

Security personnel were deployed to maintain order, while volunteers assisted with the registration process and distribution of items.

The event concluded with songs of gratitude and prayers for the nation and its leaders, leaving many of the beneficiaries hopeful and encouraged.

Residents who spoke after the programme noted that the initiative had brought renewed hope to rural women in Plateau State, highlighting the impact of compassion and community support in improving lives.