Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that no fewer than 6,800 families have benefitted from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) programme in the state, underscoring the growing reach of the social intervention scheme.
Fubara made the disclosure on Thursday during the distribution of food items to vulnerable groups at Government House, Port Harcourt, as part of the Social Investments Programme of the RHI, the pet project of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
She explained that beyond food distribution, the initiative has expanded its support to include local and international scholarships, agricultural funding and other social investment programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
According to her, the RHI has continued to provide critical support through women empowerment schemes, assistance to petty traders, interventions for persons living with disabilities and care programmes for the elderly.
She noted that Thursday’s outreach alone directly impacted over 1,800 families.
“Today’s outreach programme is another practical demonstration of compassionate leadership and people-centred governance. At a time when many families are facing economic challenges, initiatives such as this remind our people that they are not forgotten,” she said.
Fubara added that the programme represents “hope, care, dignity and support” for vulnerable households, stressing that government remains committed to policies that improve citizens’ welfare.
“True development is not only measured by infrastructure, but also by the extent to which lives are positively impacted,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to Oluremi Tinubu for initiating the programme and acknowledged the support of the RHI office in Rivers State, as well as the wives of governors from about 20 states who attended the event.
In her remarks, the First Lady, represented by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, commended Fubara for her commitment to the successful implementation of RHI programmes in the state.
Tinubu explained that the Food Outreach Scheme, launched in March 2024, targets persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, providing essential food support to households in need.
She disclosed that the initiative is sustained through the support of two major donors who supply two truckloads of food items monthly.
“Our goal at the RHI is to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to support all Nigerians to thrive and fulfil their goals irrespective of their condition or status,” she said.
Tinubu further revealed that the scheme has now reached 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with Rivers State becoming the 26th beneficiary.
