General News
Ambassador Enikanolaiye Hails First Lady’s ₦100m Kogi Traders’ Grant, Applauds Ododo’s ‘People-Centred Leadership’
By Iyojo Ameh
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has commended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for approving a ₦100 million empowerment package for 2,000 petty traders in Kogi State, describing the intervention as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja on Saturday after the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme for the North Central Zone, Enikanolaiye said the initiative reflects the First Lady’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of vulnerable Nigerians.
“The gesture of Her Excellency, the First Lady, speaks to her compassion and commitment to the vulnerable, the poor and underserved communities,” he said.
“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.”
The empowerment programme, unveiled by Senator Oluremi Tinubu in her capacity as National Chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative, is expected to provide ₦50,000 each to 2,000 petty traders across Kogi State to help recapitalise their businesses.
While announcing the intervention, the First Lady urged Nigerians to embrace legitimate means of livelihood, stressing that every individual possesses talents that can be developed into sustainable sources of income.
She also encouraged Nigerians to harness the abundant economic opportunities available across the country for national development.
Enikanolaiye also lauded Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the First Lady of the state, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, for implementing programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
He cited the newly commissioned headquarters of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, the Oluremi Tinubu Treasury House, the upgraded Lokongoma Primary Healthcare Centre, and the North Central Community Food Bank as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, food security and public service.
On the National Community Food Bank Programme, the minister described it as a timely intervention designed to tackle food insecurity and improve nutrition among vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women, nursing mothers and children.
The programme, being implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other stakeholders, has already been launched in Borno and Jigawa states before its North Central rollout in Kogi.
Enikanolaiye also welcomed the recent rescue of abducted victims in Oyo State, saying it demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring security.
“We join the country in thanking God for the safe return of our brothers and sisters. Security remains non-negotiable,” he said.
The minister further commended Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo for her programmes supporting women, children and other vulnerable groups, describing her as “a true mother” committed to improving the lives of the people.
He stressed that sustainable development requires collaboration between government, citizens and the private sector.
“What we saw 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 zone.
