First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday empowered 500 women in Edo State with N50,000 each under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), an empowerment programme aimed at supporting small business owners across the country. The event, held in Benin City, was conducted in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
Speaking during the presentation of the cash grants, Senator Tinubu said the initiative was designed to strengthen existing businesses and enhance the economic resilience of Nigerian women. She explained that the grant was part of efforts to support women-owned enterprises and improve their livelihoods.
Represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpeholo Anani, the First Lady urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the money to grow their ventures. “This is not a loan; it is a grant – a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalise your existing businesses,” she said. “It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation.”
Senator Tinubu further noted that the Tony Elumelu Foundation had generously donated N1 billion to the Renewed Hope Initiative to fund the empowerment of 18,500 women across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. “Each state, including the FCT, will have 500 women beneficiaries, each receiving N50,000 to support and expand their small businesses,” she added.
In her remarks, Mrs. Anani thanked the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its partnership and commitment to women’s economic growth. “May this act of generosity inspire many more across our nation,” she said. She also expressed appreciation to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpeholo, and Senator Tinubu for their continuous support in ensuring the successful implementation of RHI programmes in the state.
One of the beneficiaries, Otaru Patience, said the financial support would go a long way in boosting her business. Another beneficiary, Adesuwa Obasogie, appealed for an increase in the grant amount, citing the current economic challenges in the country.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Chairperson, National Council of Women Society, Edo State Chapter, Taiwo Inumidune; Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs. Barbara Omozele Agbebaku; and Director of Control and Immunisation, Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Eseigbe Eromon.