The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday kicked off the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme nationwide. Correspondents Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja, Gbenga Omokhunu, AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna, Nwanosike Onu, Awka, Onimisi Alao, Yola, Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba and James Azania, Lokoja report
In her bid to economically lift Nigerian women, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu instituted a nationwide initiative that was aimed at supporting women petty traders. To realise this, First Lady Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), kicked off the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme in Asaba, the Delta State capital, where 1,000 petty traders benefited from the disbursement of grant.
At the event, the First Lady commended the resilience and courage of women in the face of challenges experienced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
In a statement issued yesterday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu celebrated the women’s determination to provide for their families despite these obstacles.
Through the RHI programme, 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders from each state will receive a grant of N50, 000 to recapitalise and grow their businesses.
A total of N1.85 billion will be disbursed to 37,000 women nationwide; marking a significant investment in the empowerment of women and the growth of local economies.
As one of the interventions under the economic empowerment programme of RHI, the grant, according to her, is targeted at helping petty traders overcome some of their business challenges, create more jobs and expand the contributions of the informal sector to the national economy.
“As we are all aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium- Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of our local economies, these challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your courage and resilience that keep you going, to put food on the table for your families.
“Today, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of N50, 000 each to recapitalise and grow their businesses. A total of one billion, eight hundred and fifty million naira (N1.850, 000,000) will be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders across the country,” she said.
While identifying economic empowerment as a core objective which the RHI has consistently delivered on for women and youth across the six geopolitical zones to support the economic reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady noted that empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic one.
“We recognise that empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and country prosper.
“We recognize that empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and nation prosper.
“To the 1,000 women petty traders who are the beneficiaries of this programme, I say, you are the heart of our local economies, the foundation of our communities, and the unsung heroes of our country.
“You have shown incredible resilience in overcoming countless challenges to build your businesses. Today, we celebrate your hard work and determination,” she said.
Praising the intervention of the First Lady and for choosing the state for the flag-off of the grant, Delta State Governor, Sherriff Oborevwori, represented by his wife, Tobore announced the donation of an additional N50, 000 grants by his administration to further empower the beneficiaries.
He noted that Senator Oluremi Tinubu has demonstrated true motherhood by the various contributions of her initiative RHI, especially in the areas of agriculture, education, economic empowerment and social investment.
The RHI Economic Empowerment for 1,000 women petty traders per state held simultaneously nationwide. Each beneficiary received N50, 000 as business recapitalisation grant from the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI.
In Abuja, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme was also flagged off. 1,000 women petty traders received recapitalisation grants. The total of N1.8b was disbursed to 37, 000 petty women traders. This was part of her continued commitment to drive economic growth towards a better life for families.
While flagging off the programme in Abuja, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi revealed that a total of N1, 850,0000,000 would be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders nationwide.
She said that the event would take place simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Represented by the Mandate Secretary Women Affairs Secretariat, also the FCT State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-lanyi the First Lady also noted that the Initiative is aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of the local economies.
She stressed that these challenges have not deterred the strength of the women.
She said: “Today, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of N50,000 each to recapitalise and grow their businesses.
“A total of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N1, 850,0000,000) will be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders across the country.
“The grants provided today is to assist our women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses create more jobs, and contribute more to our economy.”
She affirmed that economic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative and the programme has continued to support the economic reforms of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We recognise that empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and country prosper,” she said.
Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud described the programme as a significant stride towards empowering women entrepreneurs and enhancing their economic resilience.
She expressed the hope that the grants would provide the much-needed support in helping women petty traders expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The minister, who was represented by the FCT Coordinator of Social Investment Programme, Hajia Maijidda Adamu Musa stressed that investment in human capital through the Renewed Hope Initiative in the areas of economic empowerment, education, health, social investment and agriculture have been invaluable.
Mahmoud further said that by investing in women’s growth, the government is creating opportunities for a brighter future, just as she commended the efforts of the First Lady and her dedicated team in making this initiative a reality.
The Mandate Secretary Women Affairs Secretariat, Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-laniyi said that the RHI has become an interventionist programme that has come to stay with a view to supporting women entrepreneurs.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Alhaji Kolawole Adetoyi Rabiu, she noted that the secretariat is reactivating all its programmes towards improving women’s economic activities.
The highpoint of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques to some beneficiaries by the First Lady.
In Kaduna, the First Lady also disbursed N50 million business grants to 1,000 women.
The First Lady said the gesture was part of the N1.8 billion grant set aside for 37,000 women petty traders across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT under the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme.
Represented at the event by wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajia Laila Jibrin Barau, the First Lady said Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of the local economies were facing challenges, hence the support.
She said: “Today, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of N50, 000 each to recapitalise and grow their businesses.
“A total of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N1, 850,0000,000) will be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders across the country.
“The grants provided today are to assist our women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute more to our economy.
“Economic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative and we have consistently delivered on this promise for both women and youth across the six geopolitical zones to support the economic reforms of the administration of President Tinubu.
“We recognise that empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and country prosper.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our RHI State Coordinators and wives of state governors, and everyone involved in making this programme a reality, particularly, their efforts in identifying the traders. This is really commendable.
“To the 1,000 women petty traders who are the beneficiaries of this programme, I say: “You are the heart of our local economies, the foundation of our communities, and the unsung heroes of our country.” You have shown incredible resilience in overcoming challenges to build your businesses.
“Today, we celebrate your hard work and determination. Let us all continue to work together to build a Nigeria where every woman has the opportunity to succeed, where every small business can grow and contribute to our country’s prosperity,” she said.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Liman Kila said the main impediment to women’s progress in business and other endeavours remains lack of “start-up capital” or funds for expansion.
He, however, said that the grants given by the First Lady to the 1,000 women petty traders in Kaduna State was a step in the right direction, which will have trickle-down effects.
The governor said: “Women are hardworking, enterprising, innovative and resilient. They are the backbone of many families. They play a critical role in Agriculture. Women are key players in Nano, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. With very little, a woman can turn a business around.”
In Anambra State, the First Lady described women petty traders as backbone of Nigeria’s local economy.
Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, stated this yesterday at the commencement of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) economic empowerment programme in Awka, the state capital.
She said that empowering women economically was strategic to assist them in overcoming their business challenges.
She added that the initiative would help in expanding their businesses for job creation and economic growth and development.
According to her, economic empowerment remains a core objective of the RHI to support the economic reforms of the administration of President Tinubu.
“The empowerment of 1,000 women petty traders nationwide is part of our continued commitments to drive economic growth towards a better life for families.
“We are all aware of the challenges faced by petty traders, who form the backbone of our local economies.
“These challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women to put food on the table for their families.
“Today, through the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of N50, 000 each to recapitalise and grow their businesses.
“Women traders are the heart of our local economies; we celebrate your hard work and determination. When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and nation prosper,” she said.
While disbursing the N50,000 recapitalisation grant to each of the 1,000 women petty traders in the state, she urged the beneficiaries to utilise the money to grow their businesses and be self-reliant.
She also urged them to continue to pray for the success of the federal and state governments as they strive to better the lots of Nigerians.
Mrs Nnaemeka Nwachukwu, one of the beneficiaries from Idemili South Local Government Area, appreciated the First Lady and Soludo’s wife for prioritising the welfare of women.
“This money is coming at a time when we need it the most. It will surely go a long way to boost our trades and support our families,” she said.
The event featured cooking and dancing completions organised by PZ Wilmar, makers of Mamador Oil, where gift items were given to winners by Ms Esther Bankole, Area Sales Manager of Mamador in Onitsha.
Also, in Adamawa State, the First Lady disbursed the sum of N50 million to 1,000 Adamawa women. At the event where wife of the Vice-President Hajiya Nana Shettima and the Adamawa State Governor’s wife, Hajiya Lami Fintiri represented the First Lady, the Adamawa State Governor’s wife, assisted by Mrs Nana Shettima, handed N50,000 to each of the beneficiaries.
The First Lady Tinubu, in her address delivered by Hajiya Shettima said the N50,000 to each of 1,000 women petty traders in Adamawa, replicated in each of the 36 states and the FCT Abuja, was meant to help the beneficiaries surmount some of the challenges they face and to contribute to the health of the national economy.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Edgar Amos said the initiative of the First Lady is in tandem with his favourable disposition to women.
The governor said he has demonstrated this in many ways, including nominating the woman who is currently the state deputy Governor (Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta) and disbursing N50 million as expansion grant to 1,000 women in petty businesses.
Also yesterday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the First Lady disbursed the sum of N50, 000 to 1, 000 women petty traders.
The 50 million naira Renewed Hope Initiative grant was supplemented by another N50 million donated by Delta State Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori as beneficiaries smiled home with N100,000 each, instead of N50,000.
Mrs Tinubu, who graced the event was accompanied by wives of service chiefs, and members of the governing council of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She said 37,000 women petty traders will benefit from the scheme nationwide, adding that the initiative is part of President Tinubu administration’s “continued commitment to drive economic growth towards a better life for families.”
She saluted the resilience of women petty traders in the country who, despite the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises, have remained undeterred.
According to her, the grants are “to assist women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute more robustly to our economy.”
She said empowering women economically is not only a moral imperative but a strategic one, adding that “when women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and country prosper.”
She praised the women petty traders, saying, “you are the heart of our local economies, the foundation of our communities, and the unsung heroes of our country.”
Senator Tinubu commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Tobore, for the hospitality accorded her and her entourage.
Earlier, wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori praised Mrs Tinubu for her commitment to the well-being of Nigerians.
Her words: “ the first lady’s commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Initiative in agriculture, healthcare, education, economic empowerment and social investments is commendable.”
Continuing, she said: “We have benefitted from this initiative, including the distribution of notebooks, scholarship schemes for students, grants for the elderly and distribution of bags of rice to indigent women. This gesture is a clear testimony that Nigerians will be catered for. Every philanthropic gesture is worth emulating and, in line with this; my husband is supporting this empowerment scheme with the sum of 50 million naira.”
A beneficiary, Miss Vivian Otiti, who hails from Isoko South LGA, expressed gratitude to Mrs Tinubu for empowering petty traders.
She said: “I feel so good. It is not easy to give out N100, 000 in these hard times. I pray that God will bless her and guide her and her family. This money will go a long way to support my food vending business. If I invest this money into my business, the returns will help me to cater for my mother who is my number one priority because she has suffered a lot to get me where I am today.”
In Kogi State, the First Lady empowered 1,000 women pretty traders as parts of her continued commitment to economic growth towards better family lives. The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu yesterday flagged off the ‘Recapitalisation grants’ for 1,000 women petty traders in Kogi State.
Kicking off the programme in Lokoja, the state capital, Mrs Tinubu said that a total N1, 850, 0000,000.00 will be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders from across the country.
Represented by the wife of the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Abass, the First Lady noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative is aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who according to her form the backbone of the local economies.
She stressed that such challenges have, however, not deterred the strength of the women in their commitment towards contributing to the economy at the grassroots.
She said: “Today, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of N50,000 each to recapitalize and grow their businesses.
“The grants provided today are to assist our women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses create more jobs, and contribute more robustly to our economy.”
Mrs Tinubu affirmed that economic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative and that the programme has continued to support the economic reforms of the present administration of President Tinubu.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo said the Renewed Hope Initiative is built on a strong administrative and economic platform that will be sustainable even after eight years.
He described the initiative as a visionary master plan to address poverty among women.
He commended the First Lady, for showing that she is capable of matching words with action by providing a strong platform to address poverty among women.
Governor Ododo described the event as significant, noting that the rural women who invested their trust in President Bola Tinubu by voting for him in the 2023 General Election were on ground to reap the benefit of their trust.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of recapitalisation grants to the beneficiaries.
