Wife of Nigeria’s President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday provided financial support to 250 Persons With Disabilities across Oyo State as part of the nationwide Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme marking this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Under the scheme, 250 beneficiaries in the state each received ₦200,000 business recapitalisation grants, while the state was also given a ₦50 million support fund for wider distribution within its disability community. The programme was carried out at the same time across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.
Represented in Ibadan by the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunomini Makinde, Mrs. Tinubu said the initiative reflects the federal government’s drive to build an economy that includes all citizens. She stated, “Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully. Today, the Renewed Hope Initiative will provide ₦200,000 each to 250 persons with disabilities in every state, the FCT, and DEPOWA. Each state will also receive ₦50 million to support beneficiaries within its domain.”
She explained that a total of 9,500 persons with disabilities across the country would benefit from the intervention, amounting to ₦1.9 billion. Describing it as one of the largest empowerment schemes targeted at Nigerians with disabilities, she added, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. A truly inclusive society is built when we stand together and create opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts.”
The President’s wife stressed that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusion, protection, and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable groups. She highlighted earlier efforts under the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that over 100,000 petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, have received direct cash grants over the past two years.
“Our Social Investment Programmes have supported victims of floods, communal clashes, disasters, the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes. Through our Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, food items have been delivered to 22 states and the FCT. We remain committed to doing even more,” she said.
Mrs. Tinubu also disclosed that the RHI Governing Board had approved that the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities will now take place every year on December 3. She expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and Oyo State First Lady, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, for their contribution towards promoting disability inclusion in the state.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to inclusive governance. He said, “Today reminds us that disability is not inability. Every individual, regardless of physical or cognitive differences, possesses immense value.”
He added that the state maintains deliberate representation across sectors such as education, health, employment, infrastructure, and social welfare to prevent marginalisation. According to him, “The Agency for Persons with Disabilities remains a hub for policy implementation, empowerment, and advocacy. Our goal is a state where every person can thrive without barriers.”
Speaking for the beneficiaries, Lawal Lateef Kayode thanked the First Lady and the government for the support. She assured that those who received the funds would invest them wisely to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
