By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The First Lady, Sen.Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has launched a ₦25 million empowerment programme for 500 women in Kogi State.
Inaugurating the disbursement on Thursday at the Government House, Lokoja, Tinubu said the scheme was designed to stimulate economic growth and strengthen women’s entrepreneurship across the country.
Represented by the Kogi Governor’s wife, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, she explained that the initiative targets 18,500 women nationwide, with 500 beneficiaries selected from each state, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
She noted that each of the 500 Kogi beneficiaries would receive a ₦50,000 grant to support their small businesses, boost livelihoods, and improve family welfare.
According to her, the initiative is aimed at hardworking women traders and entrepreneurs who not only sustain their households but also contribute to community development.
Tinubu emphasised that empowering women remained central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG-5 on gender equality and SDG-8 on decent work and economic growth.
Our gathered that the programme was made possible through a ₦1 billion donation by the Tony Elumelu Foundation to the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“The scheme underscores RHI’s commitment to promoting women’s economic independence while strengthening households, communities, and the nation,” she added.
The Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, commended the First Lady for her inclusive vision and praised Elumelu’s philanthropic gesture.
She urged beneficiaries to deploy the funds judiciously to expand their businesses and secure better futures for their children.
Kogi Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Fatima Momoh, described the initiative as a practical step toward uplifting women and transforming communities through sustainable empowerment, assuring that her ministry would continue to support similar programmes in the state.
During the event, Hajia Sefinat Ododo symbolically presented ₦50,000 cash to one of the beneficiaries.
Grateful recipients, including Mrs. Aisha Salihu, expressed appreciation to the First Lady and the Governor’s wife, saying the support would go a long way in enhancing their businesses and improving livelihoods.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
