…under Presidency’s “Economic Empowerment Program”
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, says, under their Economic Empowerment Program, they have distributed grants of 50 million naira to each state and the Federal Capital Territory.
“These funds have supported 1,000 women petty traders in each state, with each receiving 50,000 naira to capitalize and strengthen their small businesses,” she stated.
Speaking in Jos on Thursday, at Government House Little Reyfield Jos, the First Lady said she was in the state for the formal presentation of food commodities to the State Renewal Initiative for onward distribution to the selected beneficiaries.
According to her, they are deeply encouraged by the positive transformation this initiative has brought to the lives and livelihoods of the beneficiaries.
“Therefore, we have decided to expand both the scope and value of this program. During my recent visit to Enugu State, I announced a new phase of support. Soon, cash grants of 200,000 naira each will be provided to 250 persons with disabilities in every state of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory,” she stated.
While confirming that this initiative will continue to expand its interventions, the First Lady added that, their goal at the Renewed Hope Initiative is to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is aimed to support all Nigerians in achieving their goals, irrespective of their condition or status.
“We are determined to stay the course and are ready to launch even more interventions, including a program focused on providing disposable sanitary pads to secondary school girls in rural areas, encouraging them to remain in school during their menstrual cycle,” she noted.
The First Lady further explained that, “Another upcoming program is the Environment Club, which will be introduced in secondary schools and tertiary institutions to help maintain our environment through planting trees and other green initiatives.”
She urged all beneficiaries of the food outreach to use these food items wisely, saying, “Please, do not sell these items, as they are intended to support your families. The overwhelming support of our donors and the dedication of all state coordinators deserve special recognition.”
She also revealed that, the State Vice Committee has been central to the success of this food outreach, as well as other key initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She appreciated the First Lady of Plateau State and the Renewed Hope Initiative State Coordinator, for her tireless efforts towards the success of the first-ever food distribution and other Renewed Hope activities, stressing that, “We continue to work for the benefit of the collective beneficiaries.”
According to her, “This food outreach, under the Renewed Hope Initiative, was launched in March, 2024, with the goal of providing food items to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups to support their families.
“Through this initiative, we recognize the barriers many of these individuals face in accessing basic necessities, which are some of life’s most essential needs. This initiative aims to bridge that gap and bring meaningful relief to those who need it the most.
“So far, we have distributed food items in 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory. The states covered include Benue, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Nassarawa, Oyo, and Enugu.
“By the grace of God, Kaduna will be the next beneficiary of this growing initiative. It is worth noting that this particular food outreach has been made possible through the generous support of the Aptos Summit Radio Africa Initiative, as well as the many donors, who have committed to monthly food contributions for those in need,” she said.
She explained that, “This initiative goes beyond just food distribution. It is about building a stronger, more compassionate community. By providing food, we are not only feeding individuals but also fostering hope and dignity for countless families.”
The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, appreciated the First Lady, Sen. Tinubu, for her kind gesture, saying that since the launch of the Reduced Hope Initiative, she has traveled across the country, working tirelessly to bring support to the underprivileged.
“We were fortunate to have her here last year, when she came with a generous donation to our internally-displaced persons. I’m sure that, as the mother she is, when she opens her handbag, there will be some biscuits for us!,” he stated.
He expressed delight that she has taken Plateau to heart, noting, “We are grateful that, hearing about the challenges we’ve faced, she came to speak to us like a mother. Ma, you are welcome, and we are deeply grateful.
“To show you how much importance she attaches to this visit, she has gathered all the important women of Akutu to accompany her. We also welcome them warmly.”
While appreciating her for the gestures she has extended to the state will leave lasting memories in our hearts, the governor assured that, “By the grace of God, we are coming together – leaders of faith, tradition, and various sectors of society – to bring an end to the three decades of crisis and violence in Plateau and, with God’s help, we will get there.
“Listening to the voices of important people like our mother will surely give us the drive and the strength to lay aside our differences and forge ahead as one united people.
“We are determined to make this our lasting testimony as a state. I’m sure that as you flew over the land, you saw the beauty of the Plateau from the airplane. By God’s grace, we will make that beauty shine through in the lives of our people.
“She has become a mother. She is a woman, who entered government with a clear focus. While she has always been a politician in her own right, her current concern and burden are about uplifting humanity,” Mutfwang stated.