Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 250 persons with disabilities in Kogi State through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), providing them with business grants of N200,000 each to support their businesses.
The program, held in Lokoja, was part of activities marking the 2025 World Disability Day, with the theme “Fostering a Disability-Inclusive Society for Advancing Social Progress”.
Represented by Hajia Sefinat Ododo, the wife of the Kogi State Governor, the First Lady emphasized the importance of inclusivity and social progress, urging stakeholders to support the initiative.
“Over 100,000 small business owners have benefited from RHI interventions in areas such as agriculture, social welfare, education, health, and economic empowerment.
“The RHI monthly food outreach program has also supported vulnerable communities across 22 states and the FCT.
“Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute their quota to the development of society,” she stated.
She also announced that the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DAPOWA) in each state and the FCT will receive N50 million for onward distribution to beneficiaries, an initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aimed at ensuring inclusivity and expanding opportunities for vulnerable groups.
She urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely, saying, “Let this be a seed that grows into something greater, a business that can sustain your household and your family.”
She expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to uplifting women, children and vulnerable groups nationwide.
She also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his sustained support for citizens across the state.
The Executive Secretary, Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs, Hon. Yakubu Abdullhakeem, praised the First Lady for championing the cause of the community.