Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled a significant initiative aimed at empowering 37,000 petty traders across the country. Under the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Economic Empowerment program, each trader will receive N50,000 to bolster their businesses. The announcement was made on Friday in Enugu during the annual August Meeting, a gathering organized by the Wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah.
Representing the First Lady at the event, the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, outlined the initiative’s broad scope, emphasizing its role in alleviating economic hardships faced by women nationwide. “Our women will be supported with N50,000 each to recapitalize and support their businesses,” she stated, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Nigerian families.
The empowerment program, which targets 1,000 traders in each state and the Federal Capital Territory, also encompasses various other sectors, including education, agriculture, and health. According to Tinubu, the initiative has already provided women with ICT training to enhance digital skills, scholarships for youths to study abroad, and support for women farmers through the provision of fertilizers and farming tools. Additionally, food distribution under the social investment program is ongoing across states.
The August Meeting, a long-standing tradition in Enugu State, served as the backdrop for this announcement. The event, themed “Eliminating Abuse to Foster a Healthy Society,” was described by Tinubu as a crucial platform for addressing societal issues. She called for collective action against all forms of abuse, urging for a society where individuals are free from physical, domestic, sexual, and psychological harm.
In her welcoming address, Mrs. Mbah underscored the significance of the August Meeting as more than just a social gathering. She noted its role in women’s empowerment, advocacy, and community development, with her Custos Care Foundation actively supporting women across the state.
The event was graced by notable figures, including Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, and featured various cultural performances, symbolizing the unity and strength of women in Enugu State.
