The Gombe State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Aishatu Jibril Dukku, and the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Manassah Jatau, have charged newly inaugurated Local Government Area (LGA) Coordinators to ensure effective grassroots implementation of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
They gave the charge on Thursday during the inauguration ceremony of the Local Government Coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative held at the APC Square, Gombe.
In her address, Dukku described the inauguration as a major milestone in bringing the Federal Government’s social intervention programmes closer to the people of Gombe State.
“It gives me great joy to welcome you all on this special occasion of the inauguration of Local Government Area Coordinators of Gombe State Renewed Hope Initiatives,” she said.
She explained that the Renewed Hope Initiative is a national social development intervention designed to support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through targeted empowerment programmes.
“The Renewed Hope Initiatives is a national social development intervention established to support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through targeted empowerment of vulnerable populations, with particular emphasis on women, youth, families, people living with disabilities and communities affected by economic hardship and social dislocation,” Dukku stated.
According to her, the Initiative operates under the Office of the First Lady as a non-statutory but nationally recognised platform for social advocacy and humanitarian intervention, while working in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to avoid duplication and promote synergy.
She outlined the core mandate of the Initiative to include economic and social empowerment, food security and household resilience, support for internally displaced persons and crisis-affected communities, grassroots development, strategic partnerships, and advocacy for social inclusion.
Dukku further explained the organisational structure of the Initiative, noting that it is headed nationally by a Director General who reports directly to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Governing Council.
She also acknowledged key leadership figures within the structure, including the North-East Zonal Coordinator, Isa Yuguda, former Governor of Bauchi State.
Describing the inauguration as a call to service, she expressed appreciation to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for the confidence reposed in her.
“I want to sincerely thank His Excellency, Alh. Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Dan Majen Gombe), Executive Governor of Gombe State for finding me worthy to lead this onerous task for the benefit of the people of Gombe State,” she said.
“It is my ardent hope and prayer that my humble self and the 11 Local Government Coordinators will do our best in ensuring that Gombe State emerges the best State in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Initiative Programmes.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Jatau, conveyed the goodwill of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to the gathering and reiterated the importance of the Renewed Hope Agenda to national development.
“To God the Creator be the glory and gratitude for granting us the grace to be here to inaugurate the Local Government Coordinators of Gombe State for the Renewed Hope Initiative,” Jatau said.
He described the Renewed Hope Agenda initiated by the President as a clear demonstration of concern for Nigerians, adding that the First Lady has been actively monitoring its implementation across the country.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda initiated and executed by the President of the Federal Republic is his clear manifestation of his care, concern and love towards the residents in Nigeria,” he stated.
He highlighted key focus areas of the programme to include uplifting the common man, empowering small and medium-scale enterprises, and equipping youths with entrepreneurial skills to reduce poverty and boost economic activities.
While commending the State Coordinator for her performance so far, Jatau challenged the newly inaugurated Local Government Coordinators to justify the confidence reposed in them.
“As for the Local Government Coordinators, much as I commend you for having been identified among the millions in Gombe to be so appointed, I am as a matter of my principles unable to congratulate you, because no general celebrates a war before it is fought,” he said.
“That will come after I receive reports from the State Coordinator that you have done well. You are therefore challenged again and again to ensure that the aims and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda are delivered perfectly and in good time by you.”
The Deputy Governor thereafter formally inaugurated the Local Government Area Coordinators, expressing optimism that the Initiative would positively impact communities across the state.
“With the desire that everybody, everywhere in the state will be touched by this Agenda, I have the honour and privilege to inaugurate the Local Government Area Coordinators,” he declared.
