Subhead: First Lady gives N100,000 each to beneficiaries, unveils ICT centre at Federal Polytechnic Oko
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 5,000 residents of Anambra State with N100,000 cash grants each while launching the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-East geopolitical zone.
Tinubu also inaugurated a Tertiary Education Trust Fund-sponsored ICT Experience Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, during her visit to the state on Thursday.
The empowerment programme, organised by the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Nonye Soludo, covered the state’s 21 local government areas, with beneficiaries receiving cash grants, vocational tools and equipment for agriculture, agro-processing, beauty care and other small-scale businesses.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the South-East food bank initiative was designed to cushion vulnerable Nigerians against economic hardship and improve access to food and nutrition support.
She said widows, elderly persons, people living with disabilities, nursing mothers and young children were among the groups targeted by the programme.
According to her, the initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative and the Federal Government’s broader efforts to tackle hunger, strengthen social safety nets and improve human capital development.
“This initiative reinforces the Federal Government’s policies aimed at tackling poverty, promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening social safety nets in Anambra State and the wider South-East region,” she said.
Tinubu said the initiative also demonstrated stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments in promoting inclusive economic growth and social welfare.
She urged Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s future and stressed the importance of national unity.
The First Lady also advised mothers facing difficulties in feeding their children to visit primary healthcare centres equipped with food banks.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what she described as his support and goodwill towards President Bola Tinubu.
At the inauguration of the ICT Experience Centre, Tinubu described the facility as a significant investment in the digital future of Nigerian youths.
She said access to modern technology and digital skills would be crucial to preparing young Nigerians for emerging opportunities.
Governor Soludo, who welcomed the First Lady to Anambra, commended President Tinubu’s economic and infrastructure reforms, saying they were helping to reposition the country.
“Our country’s economy was in dire need of resuscitation when President Tinubu assumed office. With the reforms and policies of the President, we have the firm confidence that the next four years of the current administration will birth a stronger and fairer Nigeria,” Soludo said.
The governor also highlighted cooperation between his All Progressives Grand Alliance administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress at the federal level.
He said the empowerment of 5,000 residents demonstrated the benefits of collaboration between the state and Federal Government.
Soludo further disclosed plans to expand the National Community Food Bank Programme to communities across the state, with primary healthcare centres serving as locations for the food banks.
Meanwhile, the First Lady was conferred with the traditional title ‘Ugo Eze Anambra State’ by traditional rulers from the 179 communities in the state.
The title, meaning “the glory of the king” or “royal eagle”, was conferred on her by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.
Iweka said the traditional rulers honoured Tinubu in recognition of her humanitarian activities and contributions to communities across Nigeria.
Accepting the title, Tinubu thanked the traditional rulers for the honour and expressed appreciation for the warm reception she received in the state.
The event was attended by the First Ladies of Abia, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Kebbi and Imo states, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare and other dignitaries.
