The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has inaugurated the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Kogi State, with 500 women receiving grants of ₦50,000 each to support their small-scale enterprises.
Represented by the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, Senator Tinubu explained that the programme was created to assist women traders and entrepreneurs who work tirelessly to provide for their families and contribute to community growth.
“This is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalise your existing businesses. It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation,” she said.
The initiative stems from a ₦1 billion donation by the Tony Elumelu Foundation to the Renewed Hope Initiative, which will benefit 18,500 women across the country. Under the scheme, 500 women in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory will receive ₦50,000 each.
During the launch in Lokoja, selected beneficiaries were presented with their cheques.
Senator Tinubu applauded the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its contribution, expressing confidence that such gestures would encourage wider support for women-focused initiatives nationwide.
She also acknowledged the backing of the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and his wife, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, noting their role in ensuring the smooth rollout of the programme in the state.
Reiterating her vision, the First Lady said the Renewed Hope Initiative remains committed to strengthening women’s economic independence through measures that reinforce families, uplift communities, and foster national development.
