August 22, 2025 – The First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Dr. Aishatu Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Bauchi.
The programme aims to support women traders and small-scale entrepreneurs who contribute to household and community development, while promoting financial inclusion and small business growth.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the ₦50,000 given to 500 preselected women in Bauchi was not a loan but a grant to help them recapitalize and expand their businesses.
She explained, “When a woman is empowered, she uplifts her family, her community, and ultimately the nation.” The initiative highlights the importance of economic empowerment for women and the role it plays in reducing poverty and strengthening local economies.
In addition to the business grants, the First Lady announced another empowerment project targeting Fulani communities across the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State and within the metropolis. Under this plan, 25 groups will share ₦6.3 million in financial support. They will also receive 125 bags of rice and 26 bags of fertilizer, aimed at improving food security and supporting rural livelihoods.
The Bauchi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Zainab Babantakko, praised the programme as a major step forward.
She said, “This initiative demonstrates the power of partnership and the strength of women.” She encouraged the beneficiaries to make careful use of the funds to grow their small businesses, achieve financial stability, and become independent entrepreneurs.
The event was attended by senior government officials, wives of political office holders, and hundreds of beneficiaries. Many of the women expressed gratitude for the grants, with several promising to invest in trade and agriculture to create long-term opportunities for their families and communities.