Thursday, July 16, 2026

Interior minister-backed Tinubu support group donates rice, cash to widows in Ondo

Mr Awude said the minister was raised by a widow and understood the challenges widows faced.

• December 24, 2025
Ondo state logo
Ondo state logo [Photo: Ondo State Government]

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)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

APC chieftains in Lagos

Politics

APC chieftain urges members to unite for candidates’ victory

Akanni Seriki, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, has urged APC members to work to ensure the victory of all the party’s candidates across the country in 2027.

Davido

Showbiz

I splurge $300,000 monthly on personal lifestyle: Davido

“I spend $200K-$300K monthly, minus my wife, family, buying cars and jewellery,” said Davido.

Nigerian Soldiers

Abuja

Army says alleged illegal mining kingpin, three others arrested in Abuja

According to the military, the principal suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation to sponsoring an illegal mining operation.

William Okoye, the founder and general overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission

Abuja

CAN mourns ex-Aso Rock chaplain William Okoye

CAN has expressed deep sadness over the passing of William Okoye, the founder and general overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission.

Pete Hegseth

World

U.S. soldiers to be screened for testosterone deficiency

The U.S. secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, on Wednesday, said soldiers who are 30 years old and older would be screened for ‘testosterone deficiency’.

SpaceX, Elon Musk

Economy

SpaceX shares slide below IPO price for first time

Elon Musk-owned SpaceX’s shares stumbled below their initial public offering (IPO) price for the first time on Wednesday, just over a month after the company went public.