–Announces ₦1.9bn empowerment fund for 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pleaded with the 250 persons with disabilities in each state of the Federation provided with the N200,000 Business Re- capitalization Grants to allow it grow like a seed that is planted.

Tinubu who spoke through the wife of the Ondo state governor, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa said this during the launch of the Renewed Hope initiative RHI economic empowerment programme in commemoration of this year’s international day of persons with disability in Akure, the state capital.

She said that the grant was to support small business owners to recapitalize their existing businesses and strengthen their means of livelihood.

While encouraging them to make good use of this opportunity, the First Lady, said “Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family.

Senator Tinubu added that “each state of the federation, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association will each receive fifty million naira (N50,000,000), to be distributed to the beneficiaries in their domain.

“In total, nine thousand, five hundred (9,500) Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria will benefit from this programme, amounting to One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (N1,900,000,000).

“This programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked.

“It is worth noting that, over the past two years, the Renewed Hope Initiative has supported over one hundred thousand (100,000) women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, with direct financial grants to grow their businesses.

“Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country.

She added that “Our Social Investment Programmes have provided financial and material support to victims of floods, communal clashes, and disasters, as well as to the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes.

“Through the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, we have so far delivered food items to 22 States and the FCT. We also provide food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable communities.

“We remain committed to doing even more to uplift lives and bring hope to those in need.

“In recognition of our shared responsibility to promote inclusion, the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities an annual event, to be held on December 3rd, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Tinubu urged both government institutions and the private sector to strengthen efforts toward inclusion, accessibility, and dignity for all citizens.

She pointed out that true progress is measured not only by economic growth but by how well a nation protects, supports, and uplifts its most vulnerable populations.

“ A truly inclusive society is one that ensures every citizen, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and be fully integrated into social and economic life,”

Tinubu noted that millions of Nigerians living with disabilities continue to face barriers that limit their full participation in education, employment, healthcare, and public services.

She emphasized that removing these barriers requires intentional policies, stronger advocacy, and sustained collaboration at all levels of government.

She highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to improve access to assistive devices, empower young people with disabilities through education support, and promote skills acquisition programmes designed to foster self-reliance.

According to her, empowering persons with disabilities is not charity but a commitment to justice, equality, and national development.

She called on communities, organisations, and policymakers to reaffirm their dedication to creating accessible environments, combating discrimination, and expanding opportunities for PWDs.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace empathy and collective responsibility, insisting that the nation becomes stronger when no one is left behind.

While appreciating the first lady, the Chairman of Less Privileged Persons in the state, Mr. Abiodun Olusegun, expressed gratitude to the Mrs Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Initiatives for extending economic empowerment support to Persons with Disabilities despite the current economic challenges in the country.

Olusegun said the gesture demonstrates that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, genuinely prioritise the welfare of vulnerable groups.

According to him, the intervention will go a long way in uplifting persons with disabilities and boosting their economic stability, and assured that the disability community remains confident that government at all levels will continue to do more to support and empower them.

He described the programme as a life-changing opportunity and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that members use the grants responsibly to foster growth, self-reliance, and long-term development.

He urged beneficiaries of the N200,000 Business Recapitalization grant to make judicious use of the funds to expand their businesses and improve their livelihood.