Osun First Lady Denies Allegation of Short-Changing APC Beneficiaries in Renewed Hope Grant

-Says Renewed Hope Initiative Non-Partisan

The Office of the First Lady of Osun State has dismissed as false and misleading an allegation credited to the Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, Mrs. Kudiratu Fakokunde, that Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke deliberately short-changed APC members in the distribution of the Renewed Hope Initiative Business Grant.

The grant, facilitated by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, is designed to empower grassroots women across the country to strengthen their businesses and support their families.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Osun First Lady, Hon. Adeleke Adewale, the office described Fakokunde’s allegation as “unfounded and mischievous,” stressing that the initiative is non-partisan and open to women regardless of political affiliation.

According to the statement, Osun State received 500 slots under the programme, with 200 specifically allotted to the APC as part of efforts to promote inclusivity and fairness. “This gesture alone demonstrates that the Office of the First Lady of Osun State does not discriminate against anyone on account of politics,” it noted.

The First Lady’s office further explained that women across political divides and community groups benefited from the scheme, contrary to claims of manipulation.

It emphasized that Mrs. Adeleke has consistently ensured transparency and equity in every empowerment initiative facilitated through her office, with records showing that opposition party members have also benefited in the past.

“The Renewed Hope Initiative is bigger than any single political party. To drag such a noble project into partisan quarrels is to diminish the true essence of the programme and disrespect the laudable efforts of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.

The office urged the public to disregard the APC Women Leader’s claims, affirming that Mrs. Adeleke remains committed to supporting women across Osun State “without prejudice or favoritism” in line with Senator Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision.