The First Lady of Niger State and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Her Excellency Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, on Monday received the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, in Niger State for an official visit and the formal flag-off of the Women Economic Empowerment Programme.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Wife of the Governor of Niger State, Hadiza Abdullahi Maikano, the event, held at the Government House in Minna, featured the disbursement of Small Business Recapitalization Grants to 500 women in Niger State. The initiative is being implemented under the Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
In her address, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago expressed deep appreciation for Senator Tinubu’s visit and praised her commitment to advancing women’s economic opportunities nationwide.
“Your Excellency, the Renewed Hope Initiative under your leadership is restoring dignity and creating real, measurable impact in the lives of Nigerian women. This programme is a bold step that speaks to your vision, one that places women at the heart of economic growth and community development,” she said.
She added that in Niger State, even small investments in women often lead to significant community benefits, including sustained families, educated children, and improved livelihoods. The grant, she noted, is a sign of trust in the ability of women to transform their environment.
Hajiya Fatima Bago also commended the partnership between the Renewed Hope Initiative and the Tony Elumelu Foundation as a strategic collaboration that reflects the importance of public-private cooperation in driving inclusive growth across Africa.
She further acknowledged the support of her husband, His Excellency the Farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, for prioritizing initiatives that benefit women and children.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her remarks, thanked the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its ₦1 billion donation, which is empowering 18,500 women across Nigeria, including the 500 beneficiaries in Niger State who are receiving ₦50,000 each. She stressed that the programme is a non-refundable grant and not a loan, designed to support economically disadvantaged women and small-scale entrepreneurs.
She also extended her gratitude to Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago and the First Lady of Niger State for their strong alignment with the mission of the Renewed Hope Initiative. In a symbolic presentation, Senator Tinubu personally handed ₦50,000 to selected beneficiaries, urging them to invest the money wisely and serve as examples of resilience and progress.
Additionally, Senator Tinubu presented a ₦1 billion cheque along with relief materials to aid victims of floods, banditry, boat mishaps, and fire disasters in Niger State. The cheque was formally received by Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago in the presence of top officials, dignitaries, and community leaders.
The high-profile event was attended by the Wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila; Wives of State Governors; Wives of Service Chiefs; Wives of Ministers; and other distinguished personalities.
Following the empowerment programme, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, accompanied by Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, paid courtesy visits to former Nigerian Presidents General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) at their Hilltop mansions in Minna.