The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Kogi State, with 500 women beneficiaries receiving grants of N50,000 each to boost their small-scale businesses.
Senator Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, said the programme was designed to support women traders and entrepreneurs who are working hard daily to sustain their families and uplift their communities.
“This is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalize your existing businesses. It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation,” she said.
The initiative, made possible through a N1 billion donation from the Tony Elumelu Foundation to the Renewed Hope Initiative, will directly benefit 18,500 women nationwide. Under the scheme, 500 women in each of the 36 states and the FCT will receive N50,000 each.
At the Kogi State launch, some of the pre-selected beneficiaries were presented with their grants in Lokoja.
Senator Tinubu commended the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its generosity, expressing hope that such acts of kindness would inspire more contributions towards women empowerment across the country.
She also appreciated the support of the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and his wife, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, for their commitment to the success of the Renewed Hope Initiative in the state.
Flagging off the programme, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to advancing women’s economic independence through initiatives that strengthen households, communities, and the nation at large.
