The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pledged a donation of ₦1 billion to support victims of natural disasters and banditry attacks in Niger State.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Minna during the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women Empowerment Programme.
Senator Tinubu explained that the funds will be used to provide housing assistance and essential supplies aimed at helping displaced families rebuild their lives, secure daily income, and improve their living conditions.
This contribution aligns with the core mission of the Renewed Hope Initiative, whose motto is “Towards a Better Life for Families.”
At the event, Mrs. Tinubu disclosed that 500 women from Niger State would benefit from a total of ₦25 million in empowerment grants, with each woman receiving ₦50,000.
The broader empowerment programme targets 18,500 women nationwide and has so far been implemented in 15 states.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Renewed Hope Initiative and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to empowering women, seen as fundamental to national development.
“The economic empowerment programme is designed to support women entrepreneurs, petty traders, and small business owners who work tirelessly to provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities,” Mrs. Tinubu stated.
She emphasized, “This grant is not a loan but a seed of renewed hope to help women recapitalize their existing businesses. Empowering a woman is empowering a household, a community, and ultimately the nation.”
The First Lady expressed gratitude to the Tony Elumelu Foundation for their substantial contribution of ₦1 billion to the programme.
She also thanked the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, and his wife for their support.
Governor Bago commended the First Lady for her generosity, recalling her previous donation of ₦100 million to victims of a bomb explosion at a mine site in Niger State.
He highlighted how her ongoing support has positively impacted many lives.
“This generous gesture comes at a crucial time as our people are grappling with the aftermath of flooding and insecurity. We appreciate her continued care and kindness,” Governor Bago said.
He further noted that the First Lady’s benevolence reflects the progressive leadership of her husband, President Bola Tinubu.
