The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons With Disabilities, with Delta State joining the nationwide rollout to support vulnerable citizens. The programme was unveiled in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons With Disabilities and was implemented at the same time across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.
Representing the First Lady in Delta State, the Wife of the Governor and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, led the distribution of the empowerment grants to beneficiaries from across the state. Under the initiative, 250 persons with different forms of disabilities in Delta State each received N200,000 business recapitalization grants. The fund is aimed at helping them strengthen their small businesses and improve their financial independence. Each state, including the FCT and DEPOWA, was also allocated N50 million for onward distribution to their beneficiaries.
In her national address, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said that Nigeria becomes stronger when every citizen is empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development. She explained that the empowerment scheme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on inclusive growth and social investment. According to her, a total of 9,500 persons with disabilities across Nigeria will benefit from N1.9 billion in grants. She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.
In Asaba, Deaconess Oborevwori praised the First Lady’s compassion and dedication to uplifting vulnerable groups. She described persons with disabilities as individuals “full of gifts and potential,” and urged society to show greater love, understanding, and inclusiveness. She encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity, noting that the intervention is meant to bring relief and improve their livelihoods.
The RHI Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons With Disabilities has been institutionalized as an annual initiative to be celebrated every December 3rd in line with the United Nations’ International Day of Persons With Disabilities. As part of the activities in Delta State, Deaconess Oborevwori presented a wheelchair to one of the beneficiaries, a gesture that was warmly received by attendees.
An excited beneficiary, Mr Daniel Nwutu, who received the wheelchair, expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady for launching the programme for persons in his category. He said the grant and mobility aid would significantly improve his business, independence, and quality of life. Others described the initiative as a transformative opportunity that brings hope, dignity, and encouragement to persons with disabilities across the state and Nigeria.
