Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative has empowered 250 persons living with disabilities in Anambra State with business grants worth fifty million naira. Each beneficiary received two hundred thousand naira to support and recapitalize their small businesses under the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme. The initiative aims to strengthen existing ventures owned by persons with disabilities to help them expand and remain sustainable.
The programme was launched simultaneously across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT, including beneficiaries from the Police Officers’ Wives Association. According to organisers, a total of 9,500 persons with disabilities nationwide will receive support under the scheme, amounting to one billion, nine hundred million naira. Officials noted that the annual programme is designed to ensure inclusion and offer economic dignity to vulnerable citizens.
Delivering the First Lady’s message, the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nonye Soludo, represented by Lady Oluchi Ibezim, stated that the initiative fits into President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She explained that the agenda seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity, with focus on Nigerians whose needs are often not fully addressed. She noted that initiatives like this reflect the commitment of the presidency to ensuring no one is left behind.
Senator Tinubu shared that in the past two years, the initiative has already provided direct financial support to over one hundred thousand petty traders, women, and persons with disabilities. She said these grants have helped many small business owners grow their enterprises and secure earnings for their families.
The RHI National Chairman further highlighted other interventions delivered by the initiative. He noted that RHI Social Investment Programmes have supported victims of disasters, communal clashes, and floods, in addition to the elderly, widows, and orphans of fallen heroes. He added that through the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, food items have been delivered across 22 states and the FCT.
Speaking at the ceremony, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, praised the First Lady of Anambra for ensuring the state benefits from all federal empowerment programmes. He said the support represents her deep commitment to the welfare of Anambra people. He encouraged beneficiaries to use the money wisely, describing it as a potential seed that could generate income and secure a better future.
On her part, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, said the effort by the Nigeria’s First Lady reinforces the belief that persons with disabilities should continue to pursue their dreams. She said the empowerment shows that disability should not limit anyone from achieving their goals.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities in Anambra, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, thanked the organisers. He described the initiative as a compassionate gesture of Senator Tinubu, implemented in the state through the governor’s wife. He urged beneficiaries to show through their actions that empowerment has value when resources are used responsibly.
