The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), on Friday launched the Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Asaba, Delta State, to enhance the entrepreneurial capacity of women across the country.
Represented by the Delta State First Lady and founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation (YMCF), Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, Mrs. Tinubu explained that the programme acknowledges the significant role women play as traders and small business owners in driving economic growth and supporting families.
At the event, 500 women each received N50,000 from the Renewed Hope Initiative, while another 500 women got N50,000 each from the You Matter Charity Foundation, bringing the total number of beneficiaries in Delta State to 1,000.
Senator Tinubu said the funds are not loans but non-repayable grants aimed at helping women recapitalise and expand their businesses without the burden of repayment.
She revealed that with a N1 billion donation from the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the initiative targets 18,500 women nationwide, with 500 women in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expected to benefit.
She noted that the programme shows confidence in the potential of women-led businesses to contribute to sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. According to her, the initiative is designed not only to provide immediate financial aid but also to create long-term stability and community development.
Senator Tinubu said, “I am delighted to be here to flag off the Women Economic Empowerment Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in conjunction with the Tony Elumelu Foundation in Delta State.
“This economic empowerment programme is about supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of our women traders and small-scale business owners who wake up each day determined to provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities.
“Let me emphasize that this is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalize your existing businesses. It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation. I thank the TEF, which donated N1b to the RHI, to directly support 18,500 women across the nation.
“Five hundred women from each of the 36 states and the FCT will be receiving N50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalize their existing small businesses. I will be presenting the sum of N50,000 each to some of the pre-selected 500 beneficiaries at this event today. I thank the Tony Elumelu Foundation once again for this support. May this act of generosity inspire many more across our nation.”
The First Lady further expressed gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for their support in implementing the programmes of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“At this juncture, to the glory of God, I hereby flag off the Renewed Hope Initiative/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme for the benefit of the good people of this State,” she stated.
Reading the address of the Delta State First Lady, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, said the beneficiaries were carefully selected to reflect inclusivity, which is a core principle of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Mrs. Oborevwori urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the grants to strengthen their businesses and assist their families. She encouraged them to build a stronger Delta State and contribute to a united and peaceful nation.
