First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has launched a N1 billion women economic empowerment programme in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
The initiative, rolled out under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), is targeted at 18,500 women traders and small-scale business owners across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The launch took place in Sokoto State where the First Lady was represented by the wife of the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Fatima Ahmed Aliyu. Speaking at the event, she highlighted the goal of the programme to support the entrepreneurial drive of Nigerian women.
“This is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalize your existing businesses,” she explained. “It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation.”
Under the scheme, 500 pre-selected women from each state and the FCT will receive a direct grant of N50,000 each to strengthen and expand their small businesses. During the ceremony in Sokoto, Dr. Fatima Aliyu presented the first grants to some of the 500 beneficiaries in the state on behalf of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed deep appreciation to the Tony Elumelu Foundation for funding the programme, noting its potential to change lives and create wider opportunities. She said, “This act of generosity inspire many more across our nation.”
She also commended the Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, and his wife, Her Excellency Hajiya Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, for their role in supporting the Renewed Hope Initiative’s projects.
The empowerment programme is expected to provide a significant boost to women-led businesses nationwide. The Sokoto event was attended by dignitaries, including the wife of the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State.
The gathering concluded with the official flag-off of the initiative, marking the beginning of a scheme that aims to promote financial inclusion, economic growth, and poverty reduction through targeted support for women entrepreneurs across the country.