In continuation of economic and financial empowerment for women across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has empowered 1,000 women in Ogun State with cash grants of ₦50,000 each.

The empowerment programme, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, attracted a large turnout of women beneficiaries drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state.

Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu, who was represented by the Ogun State First Lady and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, said the women’s economic empowerment programme was designed to support the entrepreneurial spirit of women traders and small-scale business owners who are determined to provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities.

“Let me emphasize that this is not a loan; it is a grant, a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalise your existing businesses. It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation,” Senator Tinubu said.

She expressed appreciation to the Tony Elumelu Foundation for donating ₦1 billion to the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that the intervention has supported 18,500 women indirectly across the country, with 500 women from each state and the FCT receiving ₦50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalise their small businesses.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, thanked the Renewed Hope Initiative for putting smiles on the faces of women in Ogun State and congratulated the beneficiaries for being selected for the grants.

In separate goodwill messages, Wife of Ogun State House of Assembly Speaker, Dr. Yinka Elemide, and the Wife of the Ogun State Head of Service, Mrs Folashade Onasanya, lauded the Renewed Hope Initiative programme, describing it as a life-touching intervention that continues to positively impact vulnerable Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Adenike Badmus and Mrs Yetunde Ogun expressed gratitude to the Federal and Ogun State governments for the grants, assuring that the funds would be judiciously used for their intended purposes.