By Justina Auta
The Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Food Intervention for Women and Families, has distributed food items across communities as part of its commitment to welfare and economic empowerment.
This was disclosed in a statement by Ahmed Danbazau, the ministry’s Head of information, Press and Public Relations Department on Thursday in Abuja.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, said that the intervention was aimed at ensuring that vulnerable households celebrate the Christmas season with dignity, while foundation for sustainable empowerment.
“This is a little from our heart so that at least, families can cook for their loved ones this Christmas and this season of sharing,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim, urged Nigerians to reflect on shared values of family, health, finances and spirituality, stressing that available food must reach those who need it most.
“When food is available to us, it must go around to the right people and not kept in stores,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to partner institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Works, Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Ministry of Finance, assuring beneficiaries that the intervention would continue beyond the festive period.
“As more comes, even in January, we will still do another round of sharing; Together, much has been achieved in a short time,” she added.
While emphasising the importance of women’s unity, she stressed that collective action was already yielding positive national outcomes.
“Our unity is translating into results; Women must speak with one voice, amplify the President’s commitment, and ensure women are intentionally included at decision-making tables.,” she said.
She reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s priority for women’s economic empowerment as critical to achieving a one trillion dollar economy, highlighting programmes in agriculture, clean cooking gas, fabrication, ownership opportunities and grassroots access.
The minister added that government programmes required active participation, and urged Nigerians to engage, add value and benefit.
Also speaking, Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, commended Nigerian women, describing the ministry as a global champion for women, children and families.
“It is a thing of joy to stand here celebrating women of Nigeria and a Minister who is a champion of champions,” she said.
Nko-Asanye underscored the importance of education to national development, calling for sustained efforts to end gender-based violence.
“If a child is not educated, Nigeria cannot be developed; We must uphold education and end gender-based violence everywhere,” she said.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s long-term vision in line with national and continental development frameworks.
She noted that the Renewed Hope Food intervention represents both immediate relief and a pathway to sustainable empowerment for Nigerian women and families. (NAN)