First Lady’s N1.85 Billion Empowerment Programme Excites Women Petty Traders
Nationwide Rollout of Economic Empowerment Programme
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme across Nigeria. The initiative, aimed at supporting women petty traders, began in Asaba, Delta State, where 1,000 traders received grants to boost their businesses.
Support for Small Businesses
At the launch event, the First Lady praised the resilience of women, especially those running small businesses. In a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu commended the determination of these women to provide for their families despite various challenges.
The RHI programme will grant N50,000 to each of 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders in every state, totaling N1.85 billion for 37,000 women nationwide. This initiative aims to help these traders overcome business challenges, create jobs, and strengthen the informal sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Strategic Economic Empowerment
Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that empowering women is not just a moral obligation but a strategic move for national prosperity. “When women thrive, their families and communities prosper,” she said.
The Delta State Governor, Sherriff Oborevwori, represented by his wife, Tobore, praised the First Lady for choosing Delta State for the programme’s launch and announced an additional N50,000 grant from the state government for the beneficiaries.
Nationwide Impact
The RHI Economic Empowerment Programme was launched simultaneously across the country, including in Abuja, where 1,000 women petty traders also received grants. The First Lady reiterated that the programme would distribute N1.85 billion to 37,000 women traders nationwide.
In Kaduna, the First Lady disbursed N50 million in grants to 1,000 women, with her message delivered by Hajia Laila Jibrin Barau, wife of the Deputy Senate President. She highlighted the importance of supporting SMEs, particularly petty traders, in sustaining local economies.
Local Leaders Support the Initiative
In Anambra State, Mrs. Tinubu, represented by Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor, emphasized the importance of economic empowerment for women. She noted that empowering women would help expand their businesses, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
In Adamawa State, the First Lady, represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice-President, and Hajiya Lami Fintiri, wife of the Adamawa State Governor, disbursed N50 million to 1,000 women traders. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Edgar Amos, supported the initiative, aligning it with the state’s focus on women’s empowerment.
Delta State: Additional Support
In Delta State, Mrs. Tinubu, accompanied by wives of service chiefs and members of the RHI governing council, disbursed N50,000 each to 1,000 women traders. The Delta State Governor supplemented this with an additional N50,000 grant per beneficiary.
Kogi State Empowerment Programme
In Kogi State, the First Lady, represented by Hajiya Fatima Abass, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, kicked off the programme by granting N50,000 each to 1,000 women traders. The state’s Governor, Ahmed Ododo, praised the initiative as a significant step in combating poverty among women, particularly in rural areas.
Conclusion
The RHI Economic Empowerment Programme, initiated by the First Lady, is a nationwide effort to support women petty traders, providing them with the resources needed to grow their businesses and contribute to the national economy. The programme underscores the strategic importance of empowering women for the overall prosperity of the nation.
