The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed 1,200 25kg bags of rice to rural women and vulnerable and less privileged individuals in Anambra State to cushion the effects of economic hardship.

Mrs Oluremi, represented by the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Nonye Soludo, distributed the bags of rice under the Renewed Hope Initiative on Thursday in Awka.

She said the initiative was aimed at providing relief to those adversely affected by the current economic hardship in the country.

“The government recognises the effects of the current, and this is part of efforts to cushion the effects. We urge Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the government as it strives to make life better for all,” she said.

Mrs Soludo, the founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, while distributing the palliatives, also organised free comprehensive medical checks and cancer screening for the women.

The beneficiaries had checks to verify their HIV status, blood pressure, blood sugar level, and body mass index, as well as cervical and breast cancer screening.

She urged women to go for routine medical checks to prevent health complications or deaths.

She said, “Health is the greatest wealth you can have; do not joke with your health. Take advantage of the free cervical and breast cancer screening organised by Health Living Initiative and know your status. Our mothers should also secure the health of their children by embracing immunisation and exclusive breastfeeding.’’

Also speaking, Afam Obidike, Anambra Commissioner for Health, appreciated the governor’s wife for prioritising women’s health through her health awareness and free cancer screening programmes.

One of the beneficiaries, Adanna Akaora from Oyi Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the initiators of the programme.

Ms Akaora said the palliative would go a long way to ameliorate the current hardship experienced by her household.

(NAN)