First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative Empowers Women Petty Traders in Àbia State
…Says that every woman has opportunity to succeed
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has through the Renewed Hope Initiative programme empowered 1,000 women petty traders in Àbia State.This event took place on Thursday, 22nd of August,2024 at Àbia State Government House Bounqet Hall.
The first lady, who was represented by the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria, Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila, said in her address that the empowerment programme of women petty traders across the nation is part of our continued commitment to drive economic growth towards a better life for families and revealed that the empowerment program is taking place simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and the capital territory .
She announced that through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, a total of 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state will be provided with a grant of 50,000 each to recapitalize and grow their business.
In her words “We recognize that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. When woman thrive , their families thrive and by extension, our communities and nation prosper”.
Speaking as a Guest of Honour at the event, the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Lekwachi Emetu, FNSE, stated that the Renewed Hope Initiative Empowerment Programme demonstrates the shear commitment of the Federal Government to empowering women in Abia State and promoting economic growth by offering recapitalization as it aims at supporting women in expanding their businesses, enhancing operations and achieving better financial stability.
Governor Otti noted that his government in fulfillment of his campaign promise to empower women through building their businesses at the grassroot has disbursed over 1 (one) billion naira interest free loan to thousands of Abia women entrepreneurs in rural areas.
Governor Otti extended his gratitude to the Federal Government for their vision and support, and for stimulating Abia economy. He charged the women to properly utilize the resources given to them to improve their businesses and inspire others through their success.
The wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti expressed gratitude to the wife of the President for interventions that are coming from her Renewed Hope Initiative which she said is geared towards poverty alleviation particularly for women. These interventions she pointed has touched various areas of the economy including education, agriculture, business, etc.
She thanked her for prioritizing the livelihood of women to alleviate poverty in our State and said “Today is a day of recognition , empowerment and hope and we award this grant to women led NANO business that are not only shaking our economy but also transforming our communities .
To the women
beneficiaries she said” you are the backbone of the economy and your success is a victory for all of us, we believe in you and we stand with you as you continue to pursue your dreams… Together we can achieve great things”.
Some dignitaries that attended the event were; The wife of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mrs Ada Dera Emetu; Minister of State for Labour, Hon. Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejiocha; Honourourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Maureen Ijeoma Aghukwa; Honourable Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation & Social Protection, Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Felix; Mrs Idris Wasi and Mrs. Onyeka Ogah, wives of Federal House Members representing Wasi and
Isiukwauto/ Umunneochi Constituency respectively and many more.
Amah Ijeoma
Press Unit
Deputy Governor’s Office
23/08/24
