Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has provided a business grant of N50 million to 1,000 women in Edo State. The initiative, under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), is part of a broader nationwide program aimed at supporting 37,000 women across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The First Lady, represented by the wife of the Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, presented the grants at an empowerment ceremony held at the Esan Central Council Secretariat in Irrua. Each beneficiary received N50,000 to help enhance their trades and strengthen their businesses.
In her address, Mrs. Obaseki conveyed the First Lady’s message, emphasizing the vital role women play in driving economic growth and sustaining their communities. She commended the resilience and determination of the women, particularly those engaged in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who continue to support their families despite various challenges.
“We are all aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of our local economies. These challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your courage and resilience that keep you going, to put food on the table for your families,” said Mrs. Obaseki.
The First Lady highlighted that the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme is designed to provide financial backing to SMEs, particularly those run by women, to help them overcome business challenges, expand their enterprises, create jobs, and contribute more robustly to the economy. Across the nation, the initiative will disburse a total of N1.85 billion to 37,000 women petty traders.
The beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the grants, seeing them as a lifeline in their struggle to sustain their businesses and support their families. Mrs. Josephine Orhibabhor, one of the recipients, described the grant as a divine intervention, helping her and her six children survive difficult times. Similarly, Mrs. Irabor Augusta, another beneficiary, noted that the grant would significantly boost her tomato business.
The grant distribution in Edo State is a part of the broader Renewed Hope Initiative, which underscores the First Lady’s commitment to uplifting women and fostering economic empowerment at the grassroots level. The initiative reflects the administration’s focus on inclusive economic growth and the vital role women play in achieving it.
