Akure: The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, awarded grants to 500 small-scale women entrepreneurs in Ondo State through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation. This initiative aims to empower women and bolster small businesses across the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Tinubu, represented by Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, the wife of the Ondo State governor, emphasized the significance of supporting the entrepreneurial endeavors of women traders and small business owners. She highlighted that these grants are intended to help women provide for their families, educate children, and uplift their communities. Mrs. Tinubu clarified that the grants are not loans but a seed of renewed hope to help recipients recapitalize their existing businesses.
The First Lady acknowledged the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s substantial contribution of N1 billion towards the initiative, which will benefit entrepreneurs nationwide. Each recipient will receive a grant of N50,000, and a total of 18,500 beneficiaries are expected across the country.
Mrs. Tinubu expressed appreciation to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his wife for their support in implementing RHI programs. Dr. Seun Osamaye, the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, praised the governor’s administration for enabling the state to benefit significantly from the Federal Government’s initiatives. Osamaye also extended gratitude to the First Lady, the governor’s wife, and the foundation for their efforts in supporting the initiative.
