Minister Flags Off Tinubu’s ‘Family Food Palliatives’ For FCT, Lagos Households

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has officially launched the distribution of food items to various women’s groups in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos State as part of the Ministry’s year-end intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable women and families.

Speaking at the flag-off of the Renewed Hope Year-End Intervention program, the Minister explained that the initiative was designed to alleviate the hardships caused by the current economic challenges faced by families, especially women.

“This initiative, the Renewed Hope Year-End Intervention for Vulnerable Women and Families, is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mission to address the needs of vulnerable groups and marks the beginning of a new era where no one is left behind,” she stated.

The Minister further emphasized that this intervention would be extended nationwide as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of women and children across the country. “We seek to build a $1 trillion economy, and women are central to this goal. By unlocking the potential of women across various sectors, from agriculture to the creative and digital industries, we can create transformative impacts on Nigeria’s economy,” she added.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also reiterated the administration’s commitment to empowering women and vulnerable groups. “The Tinubu administration is dedicated to expanding its mission of protecting and empowering women, children, and their families. Women are the backbone of society, and empowering them is crucial for fostering strong, resilient communities.”

The Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir, and the National President of the Defence Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa, both commended the initiative, calling it timely and necessary for addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable groups.

In Lagos State, the Minister was represented by Mrs. Ola Erinfolami, one of her Technical Assistants, who reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to empowering women and supporting resilient families. The different women’s groups in Lagos expressed their gratitude and danced in celebration, thanking the President, First Lady, and Minister for their generosity.

The women groups vowed to ensure the items were distributed fairly to the intended beneficiaries. The flag-off in FCT took place on December 23, 2024, followed by Lagos on December 24, 2024, providing crucial support to families during the festive season.

As part of the initiative, Lagos, Nasarawa, and the FCT have now benefitted from the food palliative, with plans to extend the program to all states across Nigeria, as announced by the Minister.