The First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a nationwide economic empowerment program benefiting 18,500 women.
The event took place on Tuesday in Minna, Niger State.
The program, a collaboration between the RHI and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, aims to support 500 women from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with a grant of ₦50,000.
The initiative targets women traders and small-scale entrepreneurs, enabling them to recapitalise their businesses, support their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities.
Senator Tinubu announced that the initiative was simultaneously flagged off in Niger and Adamawa States.
She expressed gratitude to the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its generous ₦1 billion donation to the RHI in support of women across the country, describing the contribution as a commendable act of philanthropy.
In her remarks, Fatima Umaru Bago, the wife of the Niger State Governor and State Coordinator of RHI, praised Senator Tinubu’s dedication to improving the lives of Nigerian women.
She noted that the RHI is already making a tangible impact both in Niger State and across the nation.
Fatima also commended the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its strategic partnership and urged beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds to realise the program’s objectives.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Mary Noel-Berje, Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Women Affairs and Affirmative Action, lauded Senator Tinubu’s compassionate leadership, describing her efforts as a reflection of empathy and genuine care for women.
She also applauded Governor Umaru Bago’s inclusive leadership, which has continued to empower women and elevate them into key decision-making roles.
Symbolic cheques were presented to selected beneficiaries during the launch.
