Minna, Niger State — August 6, 2025
— Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her
commitment to women’s economic empowerment and support for vulnerable
communities through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a nationwide
programme aimed at improving the lives of families.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the RHI
Women Empowerment Programme in Minna, Niger State, Mrs Tinubu
announced a significant donation towards housing support and essential
supplies for families displaced by recent floods and insecurity.
The donation, according to her, aligns with RHI’s core
motto: “Towards a Better Life for Families.”
“This support will help displaced families get back on
their feet, earn a living, and live a better life,” the First Lady said during
her address.
Empowerment Grants for 500 Niger Women
As part of the Minna event, 500 women in Niger
State were selected to receive a total grant of ?25 million, with each
woman receiving ?50,000 to boost or recapitalize their small businesses.
Mrs Tinubu emphasized that the grant is not a loan,
but a seed of renewed hope designed to support the entrepreneurial
efforts of petty traders and small-scale women business owners.
“It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman,
you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation,” she said.
National Impact: 18,500 Women to Benefit
The RHI initiative, in partnership with the Tony
Elumelu Foundation, aims to empower 18,500 women across Nigeria,
with 500 beneficiaries from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT).
Mrs Tinubu announced that so far, 15 states
have already benefited from the programme, which is being inaugurated simultaneously
in Niger and Adamawa States. Disbursement to other states is expected to
follow shortly.
“I thank the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which donated ?1
billion to the RHI to directly support these 18,500 women nationwide,” the
First Lady added.
Support for Displaced Families and Past
Humanitarian Efforts
Beyond economic empowerment, the First Lady also
reiterated her focus on humanitarian relief, especially for victims of
natural disasters and violence. She highlighted that part of the newly
announced donation would go into housing and essential needs for displaced
families in Niger and surrounding regions.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State,
who was present at the event, commended the First Lady’s generosity and
long-standing support for his people. He recalled her past visit following a mine
explosion, where she donated ?100 million to assist victims.
“That money changed lives and livelihoods. Your love
and compassion for our people continue to inspire us,” Governor Bago said.
He added that the timing of her visit was especially
meaningful, as many communities in the state are currently affected by flooding.
“This gesture reflects the progressive leadership of
your husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the governor concluded.
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