Minna: The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a donation of N1 billion to the Niger State government aimed at assisting victims of natural disasters and banditry attacks. She made the announcement in Minna during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women Empowerment Programme.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Tinubu stated that the donation would be used for housing support and essential supplies to help displaced families recover and improve their livelihoods. This contribution aligns with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which is committed to providing a better life for families.
During the RHI Women Empowerment Programme, Mrs. Tinubu revealed that 500 women from Niger State would receive empowerment grants totaling N25 million, with each beneficiary receiving N50,000. The programme targets 18,500 women nationwide and has already reached 15 states.
Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that the empowerment programme, in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, aims to uplift women by fostering opportunities for them and their children. The initiative supports the entrepreneurial spirit of women petty traders and small-scale business owners.
She highlighted that the grants are not loans but seeds of hope to help women recapitalize their businesses. “When you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation,” she stated, expressing gratitude to the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its support.
The programme’s inauguration takes place simultaneously in Adamawa and Niger States, with plans to disburse funds to beneficiaries in other states and the Federal Capital Territory soon. Mrs. Tinubu also acknowledged the support of Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago and his wife.
Governor Bago praised the First Lady for her generosity, recalling her previous support during a mine site explosion in Niger State, where she donated N100 million. He expressed gratitude for her ongoing commitment, especially during the current challenges of flooding in the state.
The governor noted that the First Lady’s actions reflect the progressive leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
