Port Harcourt: The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) have successfully empowered 500 women from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers. This initiative, led by Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, was held in Port Harcourt and is part of a nationwide effort to uplift vulnerable women from poverty.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the empowerment programme aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on Goals 1 (No Poverty), 5 (Gender Equality), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The women were provided with empowerment equipment such as deep-chest freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines to enhance their small-scale businesses.
One of the beneficiaries, Tina Pepple, expressed her gratitude, calling the initiative ‘a miracle that would change her life’ and acknowledging the support from the First Lady and the SDGs Office. Other beneficiaries also praised the efforts of the First Lady and the OSSAP-SDGs for their support.
Dr. Theresa Ibas, representing the First Lady at the event, emphasized the economic impact of the initiative, stating that it aims to plant seeds of economic revival in the lives of women. She encouraged the beneficiaries to use the resources wisely to build better lives for themselves and their families, linking the initiative to national and global objectives, particularly SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, highlighted the broader impact of the programme on national development. She noted that the initiative is not only about distributing items but also about unlocking potential and fostering economic independence for women. She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive development through strategic partnerships and direct support to vulnerable populations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
