The Sunshine Grassroots Network (SGN) has commenced a humanitarian outreach to widows and transport operators in Ondo State to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship.

Sunshine Grassroots Network is a political support group for re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

The Director-General of the group, Dayo Awude, made a disclosure at an event titled “BTO Widows’ Mite,” where widows in the Ondo Central Senatorial district received bags of rice and cash on Wednesday in Akure.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at putting smiles on the faces of widows and vulnerable groups during difficult times.

Mr Awude said the programme was sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for widows in the state, and the programme was devoid of political colouration.

He said, “The honourable Minister of Interior felt the need to rejoice with widows and put smiles on their faces, he therefore directed that rice and money be given to them, which is what we have witnessed here today.”

Mr Awude disclosed that the programme, which started in the Central District, would be replicated in the North and South Senatorial districts of the state.

He said over 1,000 widows were targeted across Ondo State under the scheme.

Mr Awude added that the outreach would be extended to transport operators through another initiative known as “Tinubu Free Fuel ”, aimed at supporting commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders.

He said, “We are also giving free fuel to Okada riders and Maruwa operators. About 600 Okada riders and 200 Maruwa operators are expected to benefit.”

Explaining the motivation behind the initiative, Mr Awude said the minister was raised by a widow and understood the challenges widows faced.

“The minister lost his father at age of nine, and his mother never remarried. He experienced first-hand the struggles of widows, and that is why he empathises deeply with them,.
This is not party-based. As you can see, there are no party slogans here. This is for Ondo State residents,” he said.

He added that the minister believed such humanitarian gestures would generate goodwill and prayers for national leadership.

“He believes that whoever feeds you, you will pray for such a person and wish them well. He is confident this will translate to goodwill for Mr President,” Mr Awude said.

A beneficiary, Adetoke Akande, prayed for the organisers of the programme.
(NAN)