The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Ekiti State, with 500 women traders and small-scale business owners receiving ₦50,000 each as non-refundable grants to boost their enterprises.
The flag-off ceremony, held at Lady Jibowu Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, and community leaders.
The First Lady, represented by the wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, described the initiative as a direct intervention to support hardworking women who provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities.
“This is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalize your existing businesses,” Senator Tinubu stated. “When you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation.”
She disclosed that the Tony Elumelu Foundation donated ₦1 billion to the Renewed Hope Initiative to empower 18,500 women across Nigeria. Under the scheme, 500 women from each of the 36 states and the FCT will receive ₦50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalize their small businesses.
During the event, some of the pre-selected beneficiaries across different groups in Ekiti State received their grants, with the First Lady urging them to invest wisely for sustainable growth. She commended the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its generosity and the Ekiti State Government for its support in implementing RHI programmes.
In their various goodwill messages, Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs. Tayo Adeola; and Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju, lauded the gesture as timely, especially in light of the current economic realities.
Representative of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mrs. Moyosade Fakunle, assured that the programme would be a continuous exercise, adding that those who did not benefit this round would have their turn subsequently.
Some beneficiaries including Mrs Christy Abba expressed gratitude, describing the support as a lifeline for their businesses and urging organisers to sustain such impactful programmes.
The Renewed Hope Initiative is the flagship social intervention programme of the First Lady’s office, focusing on economic empowerment, health, education, agriculture, and social welfare.