By Ify Okoli
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator
Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a major food support and empowerment programme in
Anambra State while also opening a new ICT centre aimed at expanding digital
opportunities for students.
The visit saw the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-East, the
empowerment of 5,000 vulnerable people and the commissioning of an Information
and Communication Technology Experience Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
The South-East Zonal Food Bank was inaugurated at the Old
Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, as part of efforts to provide food support to people
facing economic hardship.
Senator Tinubu said the programme was designed to reach some
of the most vulnerable members of society, including widows, elderly people,
persons with disabilities, nursing mothers and young children.
Beyond the distribution of food, the initiative is also
expected to provide nutrition education to help families make better use of
available resources.
5,000 residents receive empowerment
support
At the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the First Lady also
inaugurated the empowerment of 5,000 vulnerable persons under the Progressives
United Against Poverty Programme.
The scheme is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic
Support Scheme and is aimed at supporting grassroots development, reducing
hunger and improving the wellbeing of vulnerable Nigerians.
The programme formed another major part of the First Lady’s
visit, bringing together welfare support and economic empowerment under the
broader activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Digital centre opens new opportunities
at Oko
Senator Tinubu later commissioned the ICT Experience Centre
at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
The facility, sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust
Fund, TETFund, was inaugurated in the company of Anambra State Governor, Prof
Chukwuma Soludo, and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo.
The centre is expected to give students access to modern
digital resources and practical skills needed in an increasingly
technology-driven world.
The First Lady described the facility as an investment in
the future of Nigerian youths, saying it was established through the Renewed
Hope Initiative in collaboration with TETFund.
The aim, she said, is to strengthen digital skills,
encourage innovation and better prepare students for opportunities in the
global economy.
Soludo welcomes First Lady to Anambra
Governor Soludo thanked Senator Tinubu for choosing Anambra
to launch the South-East food bank initiative.
He described her as a caring mother with concern for
vulnerable Nigerians and said the programmes introduced during the visit would
provide support for people in need while creating opportunities for young
people.
The governor also pointed to developments in the micro-economy,
infrastructure and security under President Bola Tinubu’s administration,
saying these offered reasons for optimism.
Dr Nonye Soludo also praised the First Lady for her focus on
the welfare, health and nutrition of children, women and young people.
She commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for extending its
programmes to vulnerable Nigerians and supporting economic empowerment.
Oko Polytechnic seeks help over erosion
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr Chioma
Awuzie, described the ICT Experience Centre as a significant addition to the
institution.
She said the facility would support digital skills
development, entrepreneurship, innovation, employment opportunities and wider
access to educational resources.
Dr Awuzie, however, appealed for intervention over erosion
threatening parts of the institution's campus.
A traditional honour for the First Lady
The visit ended on a cultural note as the Anambra State
Traditional Rulers Council conferred the chieftaincy title of Ugoeze Anambra State on Senator
Oluremi Tinubu.
The honour rounded off a day that moved from food support
and empowerment to education, technology and traditional recognition, leaving
behind initiatives aimed at reaching vulnerable families and expanding
opportunities for young people.
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