The First Lady of the Rivers State Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, has given out 2,400 bags of rice and money to support the less privileged, vulnerable, and physically challenged individuals across the 23 local government areas of the state. During the event at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara mentioned that this act was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Food Security Programme led by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the President.
She elaborated that Senator Tinubu, through the RHI, is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to provide relief to Nigerians facing tough economic conditions and to instill hope in them.
Fubara said, “The reason why we are gathered here is, our mother, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, presented to every state of the Federation a gift of 25kg bags of rice.
“For Rivers State, we received a total of 2,400 bags of 25kg rice. So, we say a big thank you to our mother. As part of our little way, the Rivers State Government also has attached cash to the bags of rice that will be distributed to the 23 Local Government Areas, including the National Council for Women Society and non-indigenes.
“Every LGA is going home with 90 bags of rice each. I believe that every LGA is represented here. Please, I want to plead with you, when you take it to the LGAs, ensure that it gets to the right people that it is supposed to get to: the vulnerable, the physically challenged, and less-privileged people. You know those that need these bags of rice.”
Mrs. Fubara cautioned that the rice bags and cash should not be utilized for purposes like “building friendships or pleasing family members.”
She urged the representatives from the different local government areas to accept the donations with gratitude and to avoid deviating from the intended purpose.
Mrs. Jetiba Soberekon, the Rivers State NCWS President, expressed her satisfaction that women are included in the program. She pledged that the items received would be distributed exclusively to the less fortunate and vulnerable members to improve their livelihoods.
Dr. Juliet Berewari, representing Ahoada East Local Government Area, conveyed gratitude to Senator Tinubu and Lady Fubara for the donation of 90 bags of rice and money. She mentioned that this act would help provide food for elderly individuals in rural areas.
Mrs. Princess Sokariba Youdowei, representing Ahoada West Local Government Area, expressed their immense joy at the kindness shown by the donors. She emphasized the significance of the gifts in providing hope to those struggling to survive. Mrs. Sarah Georgewill, receiving on behalf of Bonny Local Government Area, highlighted the challenges people face in feeding themselves.
She acknowledged that this act of generosity would bring comfort and renew hope among the recipients. The donations were also shared with the Motherless Babies’ Home in Borokiri, the Cheshire Home in Port Harcourt Township, and the Home for the Elderly on Harbour Road in Port Harcourt.
