The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has empowered 500 women in Nasarawa State. The beneficiaries, drawn from the 13 local government areas (LGAs), each received fifty thousand naira (N50,000) to support their small businesses.
During the disbursement, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, explained that the program is designed to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of women who provide for their families and uplift their communities. She was represented by Mrs. Tosin Shilla Akabe, wife of the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State.
In her remarks, Senator Tinubu said, “Five hundred women from each of the 36 states and the FCT will be receiving N50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalize their existing small businesses. I will be presenting the sum of N50,000 each to some of the preselected 500 beneficiaries at this event today.”
She added, “Let me emphasize that this is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalize your existing businesses.”
Senator Tinubu also praised TEF for donating one billion naira (N1bn) to RHI to directly support 18,500 women across Nigeria. According to her, this partnership reflects a strong commitment to women empowerment, entrepreneurship, and small business growth.
The wife of the Nasarawa State governor, Mrs. Silifat Sule, described the program as an opportunity for women to stand on their feet and run businesses that can sustain them and their families. She expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu and TEF for bringing the initiative to the state.
Sule urged the beneficiaries to use the money wisely for the benefit of their families and communities.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Jemimah Abari thanked the First Lady, the Nasarawa State Government, and TEF for the gesture. She prayed for more of such opportunities that will continue to impact the lives of women across the country.
