By Ovasa Ogaga,
Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to economic empowerment as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a flagship program under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Thursday at the launch of the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme in Delta State, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the initiative's focus on fostering economic resilience for women and youth nationwide.
The First Lady marked the occasion by distributing recapitalization grants to 1,000 petty traders in Delta State as part of a larger national effort. She described the program, which is being rolled out across Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as a critical measure to support small businesses and drive economic growth.
“I am honoured to be here today as part of our ongoing commitment to promote economic growth and improve lives across Nigeria,” said Mrs. Tinubu. “This initiative reaches 1,000 women petty traders per state, providing them with N50,000 grants to boost their businesses.”
Mrs. Tinubu also announced that 37,000 petty traders across the country will benefit from the RHI program, with a total of N1.85 billion set to be disbursed. In Delta State, the women will receive N100,000 each, thanks to an additional N50 million from the state government.
"A total of N1.850 billion will be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders across the nation. And the good news for Delta as mentioned by Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the Governor has decided to support our N50 million grant with another sum of N50 million. So, instead of the women receiving N50,000, they will be receiving N100,000 each.
"We also distributed wallets to the women petty traders...the waist belt that you put your money. So, you see that the business is already booming.
"We recognize the vital role of women in our local economies," Mrs. Tinubu stated. "This grant will help them overcome challenges, expand their businesses, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the nation's economy."
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, expressed their gratitude to the First Lady for choosing Delta as the host for the program's launch. They commended her for her ongoing efforts to uplift vulnerable communities and empower women across Nigeria.
"Your presence here today is a great joy for us. You are making a real difference in the lives of Nigerian women," said Governor Oborevwori. He added that the state is proud to be part of this impactful initiative, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori also lauded the First Lady for her dedication to various social programs under RHI, including education, healthcare, and agricultural support. She acknowledged that the program will directly benefit the petty traders, encouraging them to maximize the opportunity to grow their businesses and improve their families’ welfare.
"As a state, we have benefitted from these initiatives, including the distribution of notebooks and scholarship scheme for students, grants for the elderly and farmers and distribution of bags of rice to indigent women.
"We are here today to flag off another empowerment initiative; over thirty-seven thousand petty traders across the country will benefit from this programme.
"This is overwhelming and worthy of commendation. As you always say to us, no family should suffer in this administration. This gesture is a clear testimony that Nigerians will be catered for.
"Every philanthropic gesture is worth emulating; in line with this, my dear husband, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is supporting this empowerment scheme with the sum of N50 million.
"On my part, through the You Matter Charity Foundation, I have empowered and supported rural market women, initiated Free Medical Care for the elderly and, at the core of my foundation, I am providing support for Autistic Children and Children with Special needs.
"Let me again thank our mother for choosing Delta State for this flag off; this is a sign that more goodies are on the way. To the beneficiaries, I congratulate you on being part of this gesture. I encourage you to make good use of this empowerment; grow your business and contribute to the well-being of your families."
“With this initiative, the First Lady is set to make a lasting impact on small businesses and local economies throughout Nigeria.”
