The wife of Nigeria's President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Thursday, said economic empowerment remained a core goal of the Renewed Hope Initiative of Senator Bola Tinubu's administration in the country.
Mrs. Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Initiative had consistently delivered on this promise for both women and youths across the six geo-political zones to support the economic reforms of the administration.
The First Lady disclosed this at the official flag off of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme and recapitalisation grants for 1,000 women petty traders in Delta State.
"I am honoured to be here today at the empowerment programme of one thousand women petty traders across the nation as part of our continued commitment to drive economic growth towards a better life for families.
"This event is taking place simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. I appreciate our host, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and his amiable wife for the warm reception and hospitality accorded us.
"As you are all aware of the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises, especially the petty traders who form the backbone of our local economies.
"These challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your courage and resilience that keep you going to put food on the table for your families.
"Today, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing one thousand pre-selected women petty traders per state with the grant of N50,000 each to recapitalise and grow their businesses.
"A total of N1.850 billion will be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders across the nation. And the good news for Delta as mentioned by Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the Governor has decided to support our N50 million grant with another sum of N50 million. So, instead of the women receiving N50,000, they will be receiving N100,000 each.
"We also distributed wallets to the women petty traders...the waist belt that you put your money. So, you see that the business is already booming.
"The grant that you are receiving today is to assist the women petty traders to overcome their challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs and contribute more robustly to our economy.
"Economic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative and we have consistently delivered on this promise for both women and youths across the six geo-political zones to support the economic reforms of this administration.
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"We recognise that empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic one. When women thrive, their families thrive, and, by extension, our communities and nation prosper.
"To the beneficiaries of this programme, I say, and I quote 'you are the heart of our local economies, the foundation of our communities and the unsung heroes of our nation'. You have shown incredible resilience in overcoming challenges to build your businesses.
"Let us continue to work together to build a Nigeria where every woman has the opportunity to succeed, where every small business can grow and contribute to our prosperity", she said.
Welcoming Mrs. Tinubu earlier, the wife of the Governor of Delta State and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, described the President's wife as a beloved mother, who is elegant, graceful, alluring, accessible and kind-hearted.
"Your Excellency, your commitment to the well-being of Nigerians through your Renewed Hope Initiative - in Agriculture, Education, Economic Empowerment, Social Investment and Health Care, is commendable.
"As a state, we have benefitted from these initiatives, including the distribution of notebooks and scholarship scheme for students, grants for the elderly and farmers and distribution of bags of rice to indigent women.
"We are here today to flag off another empowerment initiative; over thirty-seven thousand petty traders across the country will benefit from this programme.
"This is overwhelming and worthy of commendation. As you always say to us, no family should suffer in this administration. This gesture is a clear testimony that Nigerians will be catered for.
"Every philanthropic gesture is worth emulating; in line with this, my dear husband, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is supporting this empowerment scheme with the sum of N50 million.
"On my part, through the You Matter Charity Foundation, I have empowered and supported rural market women, initiated Free Medical Care for the elderly and, at the core of my foundation, I am providing support for Autistic Children and Children with Special needs.
"Let me again thank our mother for choosing Delta State for this flag off; this is a sign that more goodies are on the way to the beneficiaries."
