Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the people of Edo State, pledging continued support and assurance of maximum votes in the 2027 presidential election.
The governor made this known in a goodwill message during a food outreach organized by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) under its Social Investment Programme. The event, held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, Edo State, was part of the First Lady’s nationwide initiative to support vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude for the food donations and assured the president of the state’s unwavering support.
“The entire people of Edo State are very appreciative of this kind gesture of food outreach and donations of different food items to the vulnerable in Edo State.
“We are happy in Edo State, and the people are beginning to see and enjoy a new dawn. Look at food items all over the place in this hall, all thanks to the president and his wife for this great initiative that Edo people are benefitting from today.
“We are assuring you, Mr. President, of our 100 percent votes in the state come the 2027 presidential election, and if possible, we will give you more than 100 percent,” the governor stated.
Governor Okpebholo also commended the First Lady and Chairperson of RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her motherly role in ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians receive the dividends of democracy, emphasizing that the success of the initiative was made possible by President Tinubu’s support.
The First Lady, represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, recounted the progress of the food outreach program, which commenced in March 2024, highlighting its achievements in alleviating the challenges faced by vulnerable households.
“This food outreach began in March 2024 in Abuja to provide vulnerable households with food to support their families. We have been able to distribute food items to seven states across Nigeria,” she said.
She further urged beneficiaries to make good use of the items provided and emphasized the RHI’s commitment to initiatives in education, health, economic empowerment, social investments, and agriculture, in alignment with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This programme aims to further complement the renewed hope agenda of the President Tinubu administration. There will be more activities this year to positively impact women and youths for a better life,” the First Lady added.
Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State, thanked Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her impactful initiative, noting that it has touched millions of lives in less than two years. She assured that the food items would be distributed to the most vulnerable in the state.
She also praised Governor Okpebholo for his developmental strides within three months in office, acknowledging his support for RHI programs in Edo State.
Distributed items included noodles, semovita, and pasta, among others.
Dignitaries at the event included Secretary to the Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Deputy Chief of Staff, Pius Alile; Mrs. Anna Shaibu, wife of the former Deputy Governor of Edo State; market leaders; serving commissioners; political leaders; security agency heads; Permanent Secretaries; widows, and other stakeholders.
The RHI food outreach has so far benefited seven states, including Edo, with plans to extend the initiative to Kwara, Kogi, and Abia in subsequent phases.
