Remi Tinubu Distributes Food Items, Cash To Vulnerable Groups In Bauchi

By Alhassan Bauchi

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed food items worth millions of naira and cash support to vulnerable groups in Bauchi State under the Social Investment Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI.

The food items were formally handed over to the First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, at the Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu Square, Government House, Bauchi, on Saturday, for onward distribution to beneficiaries across the state.

Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu, who is the National Chairman of RHI, said the food outreach scheme was launched in March 2024 to support persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, strengthen their families, and improve their wellbeing. She was represented by the wife of the Vice President and National Vice-Chairman of RHI, Hajiya Nana Shettima.

According to the First Lady, the initiative complements the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by ensuring that Nigerians, regardless of social status, have access to support. She added that RHI had also launched the National Community Food Bank Programme to address food insecurity, malnutrition, and to promote healthy growth and development among children.

Mrs. Tinubu revealed that the intervention is made possible through the support of two donors committed to supplying two truckloads of food items to RHI every month. One of the donors is the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, while the other chose to remain anonymous. She noted that the consignment presented in Bauchi was donated by the anonymous donor.

She further disclosed that food items have so far been distributed to 28 states and the FCT, with Bauchi becoming the 29th beneficiary. Katsina and Akwa Ibom states are next in line for the programme.

In her remarks, the First Lady of Bauchi State and North-East Zonal Coordinator of RHI, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, described the intervention as timely and meaningful. She announced that in addition to the food items, cash support will be provided. Each of the 20 LGAs will receive 50,000 naira. Other beneficiaries include schoolchildren with 100,000 naira, Christian children 150,000 naira, orphanage homes 80,000 naira, persons with special needs 120,000 naira, Almajirai 150,000 naira, and children in remand homes 50,000 naira.

Aisha Bala Mohammed said the broad coverage of the intervention demonstrates commitment to ensuring that no vulnerable group is left behind. She added that women in Bauchi State are particularly grateful as the support will ease economic pressures on households.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, represented by his Deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, commended the First Lady of Nigeria for the humanitarian gesture. He said the intervention provides meaningful relief and renews hope for less privileged Nigerians.

Some beneficiaries, including Adama Gambo, Hadiza Aliyu and Ibrahim Muhammad, also expressed appreciation. They said the support will help cushion the effects of current economic hardship in the state.