The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment, has empowered 250 Persons Living With Disabilities in Zamfara State with N200,000 cash support each to boost their livelihoods and small businesses.
The gesture focused on veterans from the military, police and other paramilitary agencies who are physically challenged. It was carried out in line with efforts to strengthen economic independence among vulnerable citizens.
The empowerment also marked the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated under the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.” The day is observed every December 3 to create awareness on disability issues and support the dignity and rights of people with disabilities. The observance has been promoted globally by the United Nations since 1992.
Presenting the grants in Gusau, the first lady expressed happiness at the rollout of the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities under the RHI Social Investment Programme. She was represented by the Zamfara State governor’s wife, Huriyya Lawal, who said the event was significant because it coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and was being launched across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.
Oluremi Tinubu said, “The nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully. As Helen Keller, the renowned American disability rights advocate, once said, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’”
She explained that the words highlight the value of unity and inclusion in building a society that embraces the contributions of everyone. According to her, “These words remind us that a truly inclusive society is built when we stand together, creating opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts to the collective progress.”
She announced that the Renewed Hope Initiative would provide N200,000 business recapitalisation grants to each of the 250 beneficiaries in all the 36 states and the FCT to help strengthen existing businesses and improve livelihoods. She added that every state, the FCT and DEPOWA would receive N50,000,000 each to support beneficiaries. In total, 9,500 persons with disabilities nationwide are expected to benefit from the programme, totalling N1,900,000,000.
According to her, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which promotes inclusive development and shared prosperity, ensuring no Nigerian is left behind, especially those with overlooked needs. She said the Renewed Hope Initiative had already supported more than 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including physically challenged persons, with direct financial assistance to grow their ventures.
She reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to improving lives through several interventions in agriculture, education, health, social welfare and economic empowerment. She added that the Social Investment Programmes also extended support to victims of flooding, communal conflicts and disasters, as well as the elderly, widows and orphans of fallen heroes.
“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 families. I thank the governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and his wife, Huriyya, for all the support; happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” she said.
Appreciating the initiative, the Chairman of Persons With Disabilities in Zamfara State, Usman Nahuche, praised the federal government for its continuous efforts to assist physically challenged citizens. He said the empowerment would rekindle hope and improve economic stability for beneficiaries. “I believe the beneficiaries will effectively utilise the grant to boost their businesses,” he stated.
