Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has awarded a ₦50 million grant to support Persons with Disabilities in Rivers State under the Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Programme. The event was held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Lady Valerie Fubara, wife of the Rivers State Governor, presented the grants to the recipients on behalf of the First Lady.
The programme is being implemented across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and DEPOWA. Each state is expected to support 250 PWDs with ₦200,000 business grants. In total, ₦1.9 billion is being shared with 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide. According to organisers, each state will also distribute ₦50 million among qualified beneficiaries.
Senator Tinubu said the timing of the launch shows the government’s commitment to inclusion. She stated that empowering all citizens strengthens national development and quoted Helen Keller, saying, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” She noted that the initiative supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for shared prosperity and announced that the empowerment programme will take place every December 3rd.
Lady Valerie Fubara encouraged the beneficiaries, stressing that “Your strength and creativity define you, not your limitations.” She called for communities to embrace inclusion and end discrimination against PWDs. In Rivers State, 250 beneficiaries received ₦200,000 each to support business development. Senator Tinubu urged recipients to use the grant wisely and grow sustainable ventures.
Dr. Vetty Agala revealed that 253 PWDs in the state will gain health insurance coverage under the “Health For All Rivers Initiative,” giving them free access to primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services. Mrs. Lorenta Davis-Dimkpa explained that the state is progressing towards establishing a regional office for the Disability Commission and enforcing the Disability Act of 2018.
Former Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili praised both federal and state governments for prioritising disability inclusion. Kie Obamanu spoke for the beneficiaries and thanked the First Lady and Lady Fubara while calling for full implementation of disability laws to eliminate discrimination.
The Rivers State Ministry of Health presented Lady Fubara with a Universal Health Coverage Ambassador award in recognition of her work to expand access to healthcare for vulnerable groups.
