From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The First Lady of Nigeria and Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 1,000 women petty traders in Abia State with the distribution of N50m.
Senator Tinubu said the business recapitalization programme was solely dedicated to uplifting women and households across Nigeria, fostering economic resilience, and generating employment.
“It was in a bid to promote economic empowerment and stimulate growth among Nigerian women, that we embarkedon this programme,” said the First Lady, who was represented by Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, and emphasized on the critical role women play in driving local economies.
“The grants provided are intended to help our women overcome business challenges, expand their enterprises, create jobs, and contribute more robustly to our national economy,” she said.
She praised the recipients for their resilience and determination, noting, “You are the heart of our local economies, the foundation of our communities, and the unsung heroes of our nation. We celebrate your hard work and perseverance.”
She also called for collaborative efforts to create a Nigeria where women are equipped to succeed, and small businesses can flourish as engines of national prosperity.
Wife of the Abia State governor, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti, welcomed attendees with words of encouragement for the beneficiaries.
She urged them to embrace the opportunity with determination, emphasizing that this support could unlock new pathways for their economic aspirations.
Mrs Otti expressed her deep appreciation to Senator Tinubu for being a beacon of hope for Nigerian women and acknowledged the steadfast leadership of the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, for his progressive policies that continue to safeguard the interests of women in the state.
In their respective remarks, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Lekwachi Emetu, and the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Blessing Ngozi Felix, commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its dedication to humanity and urged the women to make the most of the life-changing support.