By Hussaini Yero, Funtua The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 250 persons with disabilities in Zamfara State u...
By Hussaini Yero, Funtua
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 250 persons with disabilities in Zamfara State under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme.
The intervention targets physically challenged veterans from the military, police, and other paramilitary services, intending to strengthen their small-scale businesses.
The event, themed “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Society for Social Progress,” was held in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Presenting the cash grants, Senator Tinubu—represented by the wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal—expressed delight over the launch of the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
She noted that a nation grows stronger when all citizens are empowered to contribute meaningfully. Quoting American disability rights advocate Helen Keller, she said:
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
“These words remind us that a truly inclusive society is built when we stand together to create opportunities that allow everyone to contribute their unique gifts to national progress,” she added.
Under the programme, each of the 250 beneficiaries will receive a ₦200,000 Business Recapitalisation Grant to support and strengthen their existing businesses. Additionally, each state, the FCT, and DEPOWA will receive ₦50 million for distribution to beneficiaries within their domains.
In total, 9,500 persons with disabilities across Nigeria are expected to benefit from the initiative, amounting to ₦1.9 billion.
Senator Tinubu noted that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no citizen—especially those previously overlooked—is left behind.
“Over the past two years, the Renewed Hope Initiative has supported over 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, with direct financial grants to expand their businesses,” she said.
She added that the Federal Government has demonstrated its commitment to improving lives through interventions in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health, and social welfare. The Social Investment Programmes have also supported victims of floods, communal clashes, disasters, the elderly, widows, and orphans of fallen heroes.
“Through the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, we have so far delivered food items to 22 states and the FCT, including internally displaced persons and other vulnerable communities. We remain committed to doing even more to uplift lives and bring hope to those in need,” she said.
Senator Tinubu further disclosed that the RHI Governing Board has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities an annual event, celebrated every December 3rd in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“To all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity. Let it be a seed that grows into something greater—a business that sustains you and your family,” she advised.
She also thanked Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and his wife for their support toward the programme.
Responding, the State Chairman of Persons with Disabilities, Alhaji Usman Nahuche, commended the Federal Government for extending such a significant intervention to people with special needs.
He said the support would undoubtedly rekindle hope among persons with disabilities.
“I believe the beneficiaries will effectively utilize the grant to boost their businesses,” he said.
No comments