The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and supported by the Rivers State Government, has empowered 1,000 women in Rivers State with N50,000 each in free cash grants. The programme is aimed at boosting women’s entrepreneurship, strengthening small-scale businesses, and reducing poverty among women in the region.
The event, held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday, brought together women from across the state to receive financial support under the Women Economic Empowerment Programme. Mrs. Tinubu, represented by Lady Valerie Fubara, wife of the Rivers State Governor, said the empowerment initiative was part of the Renewed Hope agenda to improve the lives of women and their families.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tinubu explained that the RHI and the Tony Elumelu Foundation jointly provided N50,000 each to 500 women, while the Rivers State Government, under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, extended the same amount to another 500 beneficiaries.
She said, “Let me emphasize that this is not a loan; it is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalize existing businesses. I strongly believe that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed a nation.”
Mrs. Tinubu praised the resilience of Nigerian women, highlighting their ability to sustain their families, educate their children, and contribute to community development. She expressed her gratitude to the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its N1 billion donation to the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that 18,500 women across Nigeria would benefit from the scheme.
“Five hundred women from each of the 36 states and the FCT will receive N50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalize their small businesses,” she added.
The First Lady also commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his wife for their continued support in implementing RHI’s programmes in the state, urging other leaders and corporate organisations to emulate the philanthropic example of Tony Elumelu.
In her remarks, Lady Valerie Fubara described the initiative as a vital step towards enhancing the economic capacity of women and addressing their daily challenges. She noted that over the past two years, the Renewed Hope Initiative had provided agricultural, educational, and economic support to women and families across the country.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative has embarked on several interventions for women and the elderly, and we are proud of our partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, whose N1 billion donation is uplifting women in all 36 states and the FCT,” Lady Fubara said.
She described the impact of the initiative in Rivers State as “gratifying and transformative,” adding that the combined efforts of RHI, TEF, and the state government had created new opportunities for women to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
“At this programme today, all 500 beneficiaries will be given N50,000 each courtesy of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and RHI partnership. In deepening the gains of this partnership, the Rivers State Government is also giving N50,000 to yet another 500 women, making a total of 1,000 women who will be receiving this grant,” she explained.
Lady Fubara added that the empowerment scheme reflected Governor Fubara’s commitment to improving the economic strength of women in the state. “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, believes that empowerment should be value targeted and has therefore asked me to congratulate beneficiaries of this empowerment programme,” she said.
She also encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the grants to support ventures that would strengthen their families and contribute positively to the state’s economy.