By Victoria Okpanachi
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has empowered 500 women entrepreneurs in Kogi State.
The N25 million disbursement, commenced at the flag off of distribution of Small Business Recapitalization Grants, to 500 women traders recently in the state as part of a larger initiative benefiting 18,500 women across Nigeria with a grant of One Billion Naira.
The initiative was made possible through a N1 billion donation by the Tony Elumelu Foundation to the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Speaking at the event, the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the economic empowerment is to boost the entrepreneurial spirit of female petty traders, who have been doing their best to meet their family needs and uplift their communities.
Senator Oluremi, who was represented by the Wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, appreciated the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for their support to the RHI programmes.
The first lady highlighted the importance of women’s economic empowerment in promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth.
She expressed joy for the opportunity to serve Kogi women and urged them to support their families, educate their children and boost the economy through entrepreneurship and economic growth.
500 Kogi women would each receive N50,000 grant to strengthen their small businesses and improve their economic stability.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Fatima Momoh, appreciated senator Oluremi Tinubu and Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, for always reaching out to women in the state.
Mrs. Zainab Haruna and Mrs. Abraham Esther who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, appreciated the donors, and promised to use the grant to boost their existing businesses.