First Lady Empowers 1,000 Female Traders In Lagos

Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu yesterday flagged off the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment programme for 1,000 women petty traders in Lagos State.

Flagging off the disbursement of the grants on Friday in Lagos, Senator Tinubu, represented by the wife of Lagos State governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu explained that the programme is part of the continued commitment of the president’s wife to driving economic growth towards a better life for families, especially women, across the country.

She said, “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 N50,000 each to recapitalise and grow their businesses. A total of N1,850,0000,000 will be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders across the nation.’’

She added that the grants are to assist women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs and contribute more robustly to our economy.

According to her, economic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative, saying her office has consistently delivered on this promise for both women and youths across the six geopolitical zones to support the economic reforms of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“We recognise 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.

“To the 1,000 women petty traders who are the beneficiaries of this programme, I say, ‘You are the heart of our local economies, the foundation of our communities, and the unsung heroes of our nation.’ You have shown incredible resilience in overcoming countless challenges to build your businesses. Today, we celebrate your hard work and determination,’’ she said.