By Gabriel Ameh
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for launching a ₦100 million empowerment package for 2,000 petty traders in Kogi State, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking with journalists in Lokoja on Saturday after the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme for the North Central Zone, Enikanolaiye also praised Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for what he described as inspiring leadership and commitment to improving the welfare of residents.
The First Lady, who also serves as the National Chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative, announced the ₦100 million intervention to support 2,000 petty traders across Kogi State with funds to recapitalize and expand their businesses.
She urged Nigerians to value every legitimate means of livelihood, noting that every individual possesses talents and abilities that can be developed into sustainable sources of income.
According to her, Kogi State is endowed with enormous economic opportunities that should be harnessed for the benefit of both the state and the country.
Reacting to the intervention, Enikanolaiye described the programme as a reflection of compassion and a strong commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
“The gesture of Her Excellency, the First Lady, speaks to her compassion and commitment to the vulnerable, the poor and underserved communities. This ₦100 million intervention for petty traders is a direct intervention for direct impact. It shows the Renewed Hope Agenda is not theory—it is action,” he said.
The minister also commended Governor Ododo and the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, for implementing programmes aimed at improving healthcare, social welfare and economic development in the state.
He cited the newly commissioned headquarters of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, the Treasury House named in honour of the First Lady, the upgraded Primary Healthcare Centre in Lokongoma Housing Estate, and the North Central Community Food Bank as evidence of the administration’s commitment to development.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu described the National Community Food Bank Programme as a strategic intervention designed to strengthen food security and ensure that vulnerable households, particularly pregnant women, nursing mothers and children, have access to nutritious food.
She explained that the North Central launch represents the third phase of the nationwide programme after similar rollouts in Borno and Jigawa states.
The First Lady called on state governors to embrace the initiative while urging traditional rulers to mobilise their communities to participate actively in the programme.
Enikanolaiye also expressed gratitude over the safe rescue of recently abducted victims, noting that the development reflects government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
He said the newly commissioned projects, including the Community Food Bank, Treasury House, Health Insurance Agency headquarters and the empowerment programme, would improve healthcare delivery, strengthen food security, stimulate economic growth and enhance the quality of life of residents.
The minister reserved special commendation for Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, describing her as “a true mother” for championing programmes that support women, children and vulnerable groups across the state.
“Sustainable development is a shared responsibility between government, citizens and the private sector. What we witnessed in Lokoja today is leadership by example,” Enikanolaiye said.
The event was attended by government officials, traditional rulers and community leaders from across the North Central region.
