By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, on Tuesday in Ilorin distributed 1000 bags of rice to widows and indigents across the 16 Local Governments Areas of Kwara.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this is part of end of year activities organised by the first lady through distribution of food items to the indigents.
Speaking on the sidelines of the distribution, the National Officer of Christian Northern Nigeria Progressive Forum (CNNPF), Hon. David Ifabiyi, explained that the food distribution is at the instance of Mrs Tinubu to the members States of CNNPF, consisting of 19 Northern States and FCT.
He described the first lady as a Grand Matron of the organisation, adding the distribution of the foodstuffs commenced earlier in Kaduna State.
“The first lady’s interest is dedicated towards reaching out to the widows and indigents in Nigeria. She is interested in helping the less privileged.
“In the spirit of Christmas, Tinubu is putting smiles on the faces of widows, less privileged, Christian bodies and other religious adherents,” he said.
Ifabiyi observed that Kwara is unique as a State because of religious tolerant, saying that it is a place where people have both Muslims and Christians in the same families.
He noted that the first lady has ensured that every religious adherents including Muslims, Christians and traditional beliefs benefit from the food stuff distribution.
The National Officer of the organisation commended the peaceful distribution, adding that there was a large turnout of people who came out to receive the foodstuffs.
He commended the first lady for the kind gesture, while advising the masses to support the Federal Government’s initiative in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Tinubu in revamping the nations economy.
Also speaking, Deacon Victor Abioye, the Kwara State Coordinator of CNNPF said this is a laudable vision of Mrs Tinubu.
“It has been the usual practice of the first lady to reach out to Christian widows and vulnerable every December to distribute foodstuffs,” he said.
Abioye pointed out out that the masses are feeling the touch and happy that someone from the top is reaching out to them.
He commended President Ahmed Tinubu on policies geared towards developing the nation, adding that it might be difficult in the beginning but subsequently, it will be beneficial for the country.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome the present challenges and appealed for Nigerians to support the present administration.
The State Coordinator appeal to Nigerians to pray for the nation and the present administration to succeed.
In their appreciative remarks, some beneficiaries, Mr Babarinde Abiodun and Mrs Beatrice Oladimeji commended the first lady for the kind gesture, saying that the foodstuffs will ensure they celebrate the festivities in happiness.
They prayed for the success of the present administration, adding that the first lady has consistently reached out to them every year to put smiles on their faces.
