The First Lady of Nigeria and wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women in Edo State with ₦50,000 each under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The empowerment programme, held in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, took place in Benin City on Saturday.
Speaking at the presentation of the cash grants to beneficiaries, Senator Tinubu – represented by Mrs. Edesili Okpeholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Edo State – explained that the initiative aims to strengthen existing businesses and boost the economic resilience of Nigerian women.
“This is not a loan; it is a grant – a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalise your existing businesses,” she said.
“It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation.”
Senator Tinubu further highlighted that the Tony Elumelu Foundation donated ₦1 billion to the Renewed Hope Initiative to support the empowerment of 18,500 women across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Each state, including the FCT, will have 500 beneficiaries, each receiving ₦50,000 to support and expand their small businesses,” she added.
Mrs. Anani expressed appreciation to the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment, saying:
“May this act of generosity inspire many more across our nation.”
She also thanked Governor Monday Okpeholo and Senator Tinubu for their unwavering support in implementing RHI programmes in Edo State.
One of the beneficiaries, Otaru Patience, said the grant would significantly boost her business. Another recipient, Adesuwa Obasogie, expressed gratitude but appealed for the grant amount to be increased, citing the current economic challenges in the country.
Dignitaries at the event included:
- Mrs. Taiwo Inumidune, Chairperson, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Edo State Chapter
- Mrs. Barbara Omozele Agbebaku, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Dr. Eseigbe Eromon, Director of Control & Immunisation, Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency
