The First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, launched the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme for people with special needs in Akwa Ibom State, marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities PWDs. The event, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, featured the disbursement of N50 million to beneficiaries in the state.
Speaking through the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon Inibehe Etukudo, the First Lady announced that 250 persons living with disabilities in each state and the Federal Capital Territory have already received N200,000 business recapitalisation grants aimed at supporting their businesses. She said the programme reflects the federal commitment to improve livelihoods for persons living with disabilities and support their inclusion in national development.
“Today, the Renewed Hope Initiative will provide the sum of Two Hundred Thousand naira N200,000 Business Recapitalisation Grants to Two Hundred and Fifty 250 Persons with Disabilities in each State and the Federal Capital Territory to support small business owners to recapitalise their existing businesses and strengthen their means of livelihood,” she stated. She added that the effort aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which promotes inclusive growth and shared prosperity, ensuring no one is left behind.
Senator Tinubu explained that each state and the FCT received N50 million for onward distribution to beneficiaries, extending support to a total of 9,500 Nigerians living with disabilities. In a further emphasis on inclusion, she announced that the empowerment programme, valued at N1.9 billion nationwide, will now hold on the 3rd of December every year to honour persons with disabilities.
“To all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity. Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family,” she urged. The First Lady also expressed appreciation to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and the First Lady Designate, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for their support in hosting the event.
The State RHI Focal person, Mrs Emem Orok, praised Senator Tinubu for positively impacting lives through various RHI programmes in the state. She noted that the initiative had reached many vulnerable persons and continued to inspire hope among citizens.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Council, Hon Glory Effiong, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, Mrs Nnene Bassey. They commended Senator Tinubu for her compassionate commitment to inclusivity and financial support for vulnerable groups across the country.
A major highlight of the empowerment event was the symbolic presentation of credit support to some beneficiaries from the six clusters of PWDs and other eligible recipients, many of whom confirmed receiving bank alerts of N200,000 during the programme. The ceremony featured cultural performances by the Council for Arts and Culture, adding entertainment to the celebration of economic empowerment and national inclusion.
