By Esther Onyegbula

Residents of Ikeja in Lagos State have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for distributing Ramadan food palliatives under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the initiative as a timely intervention to support families during the fasting period.

The palliatives were officially flagged off in Alausa, Ikeja, where the Vice Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Mr Abisola Omisore, supervised the distribution of food items to beneficiaries drawn from various community groups.
Omisore said the intervention was initiated through the office of the President to support citizens during the Ramadan and Lenten fasting seasons, adding that the gesture demonstrates the President’s commitment to easing the burden on Nigerians.

According to him, the distribution taking place in Ward F, Alausa, Ikeja—President Tinubu’s ward—was meant to reassure residents that the government remains attentive to their needs.
“This initiative is being brought by the office of Mr President for the people in his ward to show commitment and to let them know they are not forgotten. He is ready to do more for them,” Omisore said.

He noted that the President understands the economic challenges facing Nigerians and has therefore rolled out interventions across the country, with the Ikeja distribution serving as a demonstration of support for residents during the fasting period.
“At least this is to show commitment and bring relief to families observing Ramadan and Lent. It is a time to show love and support for one another, and that is what Mr President is trying to do,” he added.
Omisore explained that beneficiaries were selected from different groups within the community without regard to political affiliation in order to ensure fairness and grassroots reach.

According to him, community members were nominated through Community Development Associations (CDAs), religious bodies, ward leadership and other community stakeholders.

“These items are meant for community members across the board. They were not selected politically. The selection was done through the CDA, the ward councillor, religious organisations and community leaders to ensure fairness,” he said.
He added that the food packages contained essential items including 10kg bags of rice, milk, beverages, salt, groundnut oil, pasta and other staple food items.

Also speaking, the Councillor representing Alausa Ward F, Mr Lawal Ganiyu, expressed appreciation to the President for extending the palliative support to residents.
Ganiyu said the intervention would help cushion the effects of hardship, particularly during the fasting season.
“I want to thank President Bola Tinubu because this is his ward, and we appreciate the programmes taking place across the country,” he said.

“Today we are sharing palliatives that will help those who have been lamenting hunger. The little given will assist them in managing their homes during this Ramadan and Lenten period.”
He added that the initiative was not limited to Ikeja alone, noting that similar programmes were being implemented across different parts of the country.

Some beneficiaries also expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying the food items would provide much-needed relief for their families.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Rukayat Usman, said the food package would significantly support her household during the Ramadan fasting period.
“I am here because of the palliative given by our President, Bola Tinubu. The package contains rice, spaghetti, macaroni, sugar, cooking oil and tomato paste,” she said.

She noted that as a widow observing the Ramadan fast, the assistance would help her sustain her family and also enable her to share with neighbours who were unable to attend the distribution.
“This food will help me a lot. I believe it will sustain me through the Ramadan period,” she added.
Another beneficiary, Mr Monday Oguneje, also commended the President for remembering residents of the Ikeja community.

Oguneje described the food packages as substantial, noting that the items included could support households for several weeks.
“We are proud of the President and we appreciate this kind gesture to the people. May God continue to guide him and grant him his heart’s desires,” he said.