Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday, expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support towards the people of Edo State and assured him of continued backing ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
This assurance came during a food outreach event organized by the Renewed Hope Initiative through its Social Investment Programme at the New Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the electorate in Edo State would fully support President Tinubu in the upcoming election, noting his administration’s efforts to assist vulnerable populations in the state. He highlighted the success of the RHI’s food outreach, which aims to support those most in need.
The food outreach, which launched in March 2024, has already benefited seven states, including Edo, Kano, Benue, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Cross River, and Gombe. Other states such as Kwara, Kogi, and Abia are expected to participate in the initiative soon.
The Governor also commended the First Lady of Nigeria and Chairperson of RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her role in ensuring the success of the outreach. He attributed the program’s impact to the continued support of President Tinubu and assured him that the people of Edo State would stand behind him for a second term, should he choose to run.
“The entire people of Edo State are very appreciative of this kind gesture of food outreach and donations of different food items to the vulnerable in Edo State.
“We are happy in Edo State, and the people are beginning to see and enjoy a new dawn. Look at food items all over the place in this hall, all thanks to the president and his wife for this great initiative that Edo people are benefitting from today.
“We are assuring you, Mr. President of our 100 percent votes in the State come 2027 presidential election, and if possible, we will give you more than 100 percent,” he declared.
“The entire people of Edo State are very appreciative of this kind gesture of food outreach and donations of different food items to the vulnerable in Edo State.
“We are happy in Edo State, and the people are beginning to see and enjoy a new dawn. Look at food items all over the place in this hall, all thanks to the president and his wife for this great initiative that Edo people are benefitting from today.
“We are assuring you, Mr. President of our 100 percent votes in the State come 2027 presidential election, and if possible, we will give you more than 100 percent,” he added.
In her speech, Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, who represented the First Lady, recounted the launch of the food outreach in Abuja in March 2024. She emphasized the program’s progress, especially in supporting women and youth. She encouraged the beneficiaries to use the food items wisely and avoid selling them.
Shettima also outlined the broader scope of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which is set to focus on education, health, economic empowerment, social investments, and agriculture in the coming year. These efforts aim to complement the overarching goals of President Tinubu’s administration.
Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo, Coordinator of the First Lady’s office in Edo State, thanked the First Lady for her initiative, noting that it has positively impacted millions of Nigerians in less than two years. She also praised Governor Okpebholo for his swift developmental actions and his support for RHI’s programs in the state.
The event featured the distribution of various food items, including noodles, semovita, and pasta, to assist vulnerable households in the region.