The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Kogi State, providing grants to 500 women to boost their small-scale businesses.

Represented by the Kogi State First Lady, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, Senator Tinubu said each beneficiary received ₦50,000 to recapitalize and expand their businesses.

“This is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you grow your businesses. When you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation,” she said.

The programme is funded by a ₦1 billion donation from the Tony Elumelu Foundation to the Renewed Hope Initiative and will benefit 18,500 women nationwide ,500 per state and the FCT.

At the Lokoja launch, selected beneficiaries received their grants, with Senator Tinubu commending the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its generosity and urging more stakeholders to support women empowerment efforts.

She also thanked Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and his wife for their collaboration in making the programme a success.

The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to advancing women’s economic independence through initiatives that strengthen families, communities, and the nation at large.

GUARDIAN