First Lady Empowers 1,000 Osun Women Petty Traders With N50,000 Each

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, empowered 1,000 Osun women petty traders through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Programme.

Nigerian first Lady, had on Thursday inaugurated the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme Recapitalisation Grant for 1,000 women petty traders in each of the 36 states and FCT.

At the programme which was held at the Government Secretariat, Abere, Oluremi, who was represented by the wife of the Osun State Governor, Titilola Adeleke, described the Nigerian women petty traders as the heart of the country’s economy.

CityMirrorNews reports that the First Lady had on August 15, 2024, inaugurated the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme Recapitalisation Grant for 1,000 women petty traders in each of the 36 states and FCT.

Speaking in Osogbo, Tinubu said that empowering women economically was strategic to assist them in overcoming their business challenges, saying they are the foundation of communities as well as the unsung heroes of the nation whose importance to nation and family building cannot be undermined.

She added that the initiative would help in expanding their businesses for job creation and economic growth and development.

She said she is providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of N50,000 each to recapitalize and grow their businesses as part of her continued commitment to drive economic growth towards a better life for families.

She further said: “Eonomic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative, and we have consistently delivered on this promise for both women and youth across the six (6) geopolitical zones to support the economic reforms of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We recognize that empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and nation prosper.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our RHI State Coordinators and first ladies of states, and everyone involved in making this programme a reality, particularly, their efforts in identifying the traders. This is really commendable.

“To the 1000 women petty traders who are the beneficiaries of this programme, I say, ” You have shown incredible resilience in overcoming countless challenges to build your businesses. Today, we celebrate your hard work and determination.

“Let us all continue to work together to build a Nigeria where every woman has the opportunity to succeed, where every small business can grow and contribute to our nation’s prosperity”, she concluded.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Market Affairs, Mrs Grace Omotosho, who was represented by Mrs Obiremi and Iyaloja general, Chief Mrs Oyebode Mary, commended Osun First Lady, Mrs Titilola Adeleke for playing a motherly role in the lives of all women in the state.

The duo charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grant in expanding their businesses, urging them to cooperate with the present administration to achieve a resounding success.