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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The first lady’s office has extended a helping hand to 250 physically challenged Nigerians through a N50 million recapitalisation grant under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The fund was disbursed on Wednesday to the beneficiaries. Each of the beneficiaries received N200,000.
Wife of the President, Bola Tinubu, Senator Remi Tinubu, represented by the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru, explained that 9,500 physically challenged persons across the 36 states of the federation would benefit from the recapitalization grant.
“This event holds special significance as it coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disability and is being launched simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association.
“Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully. Today, the Renewed Hope Initiative will provide a two hundred thousand naira business recapitalization grant to 250 persons with disabilities in each state and the Federal Capital Territory to support small business owners in recapitalizing their existing businesses and strengthening their means of livelihood.
“Each state of the federation, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association will receive fifty million naira to be distributed to the beneficiaries in their domain. In total, 9,500 persons with disabilities across Nigeria will benefit from this program, amounting to the sum of one billion nine hundred million naira.
“This program aligns with the Renewed Hope Initiative of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked, such as persons with disabilities. “In Ebonyi State, we do not overlook them. It is worth noting that over the past two years, the Renewed Hope Initiative has supported one hundred thousand women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, with direct financial grants to grow their businesses.
“Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various initiatives and interventions in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health, and social welfare, aimed at enhancing the well-being of families across our country.
“Our social investment program has provided financial and material support to victims of floods, communal clashes, and disasters, as well as the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes through this RHI monthly food outreach scheme.
“So far, we have delivered food items to 22 states and the FCT. We also provided food items to internally displaced persons and other vulnerable communities.
“We remain committed to doing even more to uplift lives and bring hope to those in need. In recognition of our shared responsibility to provide inclusion, the governing board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has provided a reserve to mark the economic empowerment program for people living with disabilities and annual events to be held on December 3rd in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disability,” she said.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity given to them. The First Lady commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for supporting the initiative and constantly caring for persons living with disabilities.
