Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to tackling poverty and economic hardship in Nigeria. Speaking on Friday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, during the visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Governor noted that job creation and targeted economic development remain key solutions to poverty alleviation.
The First Lady visited Abia State as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative’s Social Investment Food Outreach Programme, aimed at distributing food items to vulnerable individuals and families. Governor Otti, while commending Mrs. Tinubu for her compassionate outreach, stressed the importance of leaders staying committed to realistic and impactful measures that address the root causes of poverty.
“The challenge of poverty and its effects—hunger, homelessness, hopelessness—demands a broad and inclusive economic programme. One that prioritizes job creation across various demographics, especially women and children,” Otti stated.
He advocated for a robust local tracking system to monitor poverty reduction efforts, ensuring accountability and progress assessment. According to him, every leader has a responsibility to focus on overcoming the multifaceted challenges confronting the country, with economic destitution being a major concern.
Governor Otti appreciated Mrs. Tinubu’s commitment to grassroots welfare, describing her as a true ally of the vulnerable. “Being the wife of the President has not distanced her from the people whose votes brought many into political office. Her presence here today shows that the underprivileged have a dependable friend in her,” he remarked.
He also highlighted his administration’s proactive steps, such as the establishment of the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, designed specifically to address the needs of the poor and marginalized groups in Abia State.
Representing the First Lady at the event was Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President. She explained that the food distribution initiative, which started on March 8, 2024, is part of the wider Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving the welfare of Nigeria’s vulnerable population. She revealed that the programme had already reached 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory, thanks to generous donations from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative and an anonymous donor.
Mrs. Shettima advised beneficiaries against selling the food items, reminding them that the support was meant for their households. She also announced an empowerment grant of N200,000 each for 250 persons living with disabilities across all states and the FCT to help boost their small-scale businesses.
“Since its inception in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made remarkable strides in supporting citizens, particularly women and youth, in their pursuit of a better life,” she stated, expressing gratitude to Abia women and the State Government for the warm reception.
Earlier, the Wife of the Abia State Governor, Lady Priscilla Otti, also expressed deep appreciation to the President’s wife for her tireless efforts in supporting the less privileged. As part of the support, the Abia State Government provided an additional 3,000 bags of 10kg rice to supplement those brought by the First Lady. Lady Otti assured equitable and transparent distribution of the items, which is scheduled to commence within a week across the state.
She lauded the Renewed Hope Initiative for its ongoing support in critical areas such as education, empowerment, healthcare, and nutrition in Abia. “As the state coordinator of the Initiative, I am proud of the significant impact it continues to make. Together, let’s lead with empathy and build a future where no household in Abia or Nigeria goes hungry,” she said.
Beneficiaries, including Orasi Eze and Uzoma Ezebiiro, expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting the immediate relief it brings to their families.
The event drew attendance from the wives of South East Governors and notable figures including the wives of the Ogun State Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
