Remi Tinubu gives 1,000 Edo women N50m in business grants

Wife of Nigeria’s President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday provided a lifeline to 1,000 women petty traders in Edo State through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

Wife of Edo State Governor, Betsy Obaseki, who presented the cheques on behalf of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said a total of ₦50 million was distributed, with each beneficiary receiving a grant of ₦50,000.

Obaseki, who spoke at Esan Central Council in Irrua, conveyed the First Lady’s message, stating that the initiative is part of a broader nationwide program aimed at supporting 37,000 women across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to Tinubu, the goal is to provide financial backing to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those run by women, who are often the backbone of local economies.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her address read by Her Excellency Betsy Obaseki, highlighted the crucial role that women play in fostering economic growth and sustaining their communities.

She lauded the resilience and determination of the women traders, who have continued to support their families despite numerous challenges.

“We are all aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of our local economies. These challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your courage and resilience that keep you going to put food on the table for your families.

“Today, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of ₦50,000 each to recapitalize and grow their businesses. A total of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦1,850,000,000) will be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders across the nation.

“The grants provided today are to assist our women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute more robustly to our economy.”

The event was marked by a wave of gratitude from the beneficiaries, many of whom shared their stories of hardship and hope.

Mrs. Josephine Orhibabhor, one of the recipients, described the grant as a divine intervention, stating, “This grant is God’s intervention in my life. My six children and I have been struggling to survive. May God bless the First Lady of Nigeria.”

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Irabor Augusta, expressed her joy, saying, “May God bless the First Lady of Nigeria. I am glad to be one of the petty traders selected. This money will go a long way in helping my tomato business.”

Mrs. Anna Isibor shared her experience, recalling how others doubted the possibility of receiving the grant, but now, she sees it as a blessing.

She said,“When they asked people to write their names, some were laughing, saying nothing would come of it. But today, God has sent the First Lady of Nigeria to help me through this hardship.”

Egbhor Felicia, another recipient, offered a prayer for the First Lady and the President, saying, “May the First Lady and her husband, the President, continue to have the wisdom they need to lead the country successfully.”