The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities in Nasarawa State, as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The programme, implemented simultaneously across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), is aimed at supporting small business owners living with disabilities.
In her address, Senator Tinubu said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure inclusive development and equal opportunities for all Nigerians.
Under the scheme, 250 Persons with Disabilities in each state and the FCT will receive N200,000 business recapitalisation grants to strengthen and expand their existing small businesses.
In addition, every state, the FCT, and DEPOWA will each receive N50 million for disbursement within their communities.
In total, 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide will receive support amounting to N1.9 billion.
Quoting disability rights advocate Helen Keller, the First Lady emphasized that national progress is achieved when all citizens are empowered to contribute their abilities to nation-building.
She highlighted that the RHI has, over the past two years, supported over 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, through direct grants across sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare and social welfare.
Senator Tinubu also noted the Initiative’s interventions for flood victims, the elderly, widows, orphans of fallen heroes, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and vulnerable communities through monthly food outreach programmes already delivered in 22 states and the FCT.
The First Lady announced that the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities will now be held annually on December 3rd to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
She urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the grants, describing them as seeds that could grow into sustainable and life-changing ventures.
Senator Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi A. Sule, and his wife, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule, for their support.
She concluded with a message of hope and unity:
“Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities. God bless Nasarawa State, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
