Despite a walkout by a section of women during an empowerment programme in Rivers State, the state government has affirmed that the event proceeded as planned, with 500 beneficiaries receiving critical livelihood tools.
According to a statement from Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Rivers State Government, the programme took place at the EUI Event Centre in Port Harcourt and featured the distribution of deep freezers, gas cookers with ovens, grinding machines, and generators to support underprivileged women.
The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was represented at the event by the wife of the Rivers State Administrator, Dr. Theresa Ibas.
In her address, Dr. Ibas explained that the programme is part of a nationwide effort aimed at economically empowering 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“These tools are designed to help our women establish and grow successful businesses, contributing to the nation’s prosperity,” Senator Tinubu stated in a message delivered by Dr. Ibas.
“This program reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes inclusivity, economic growth, and sustainable development particularly for women.”
Earlier, an uproar ensued when the women expecting the presence of the First Lady discovered she was absent.
Disappointed by the substitution with the wife of the Sole Administrator, Lady Ete-Ibas, some attendees walked out of the venue in protest.
Nonetheless, the state government clarified that the core objectives of the initiative were achieved.
The programme was implemented under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Senator Tinubu noted that the initiative had already been successfully executed in the North Central zone, and the Rivers event marked the conclusion of the South-South leg.
She also emphasized the initiative’s alignment with key global targets: “This program reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes inclusivity, economic growth, and sustainable development, particularly for women.”
She added that it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG-5 on Gender Equality and SDG-8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Dr. Ibas, speaking further, called for collective commitment to peace as a foundation for long-term progress.
She said, “My husband’s appointment as Rivers State Administrator was aimed at restoring stability.”
She appealed to citizens to support law and order, urging them to help steer the state back to its “cherished path of glory.”
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, also addressed the gathering, encouraging women to embrace entrepreneurial opportunities amid Nigeria’s current economic realities.
She said the initiative was designed to “drive inclusive growth through strategic partnerships while addressing poverty and hunger.”
