The First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched an economic empowerment programme targeting 18,500 women nationwide, with the flag-off ceremony held in Minna, the Niger State capital.
The initiative, sponsored by the RHI in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, is designed to support 500 women from each state and the Federal Capital Territory with a grant of ₦50,000. The funds are meant to recapitalize small-scale businesses, enabling women to support their families, educate their children, and contribute to the growth of their communities.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, while noting that the programme was launched simultaneously in Niger and Adamawa States, expressed appreciation to the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its ₦1 billion donation to RHI in support of women’s economic empowerment across the country.
In her remarks, the wife of the Niger State Governor and State Coordinator of the RHI, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago, lauded the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerian women, describing the programme as impactful and transformative. She also commended the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its partnership and urged beneficiaries to utilize the funds judiciously.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women and Affirmative Action, Mrs. Mary Noel-Berje, praised Senator Tinubu’s compassion and motherly concern for Nigerian women, while also acknowledging Governor Umaru Bago’s inclusive leadership that continues to empower women in the state.
The event featured symbolic presentations of the grants to some beneficiaries.
