First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, in partnership with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), has rolled out an empowerment programme in Port Harcourt aimed at lifting women out of poverty.
The beneficiaries, drawn from all the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, received business-enabling tools – including deep-chest freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines to boost their small-scale enterprises.
According to the special assistant, media, publicity and strategic communications, Desmond Utomwen, the initiative, delivered under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and in alignment with Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targets SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Representing the first lady at the event, Dr. Mrs. Theresa Ibas, wife of the sole administrator of Rivers State, said the programme was designed to “plant seeds of economic revival” and break the cycle of dependency.
“These items are not just tools,” she said, “They are stepping stones towards financial independence and a better future for Nigerian women. Use these resources wisely to build better lives for yourselves and your families.”
The senior special assistant to the president on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, described the empowerment drive as a strategic move to unlock potential and foster inclusive growth.
“Today’s programme is about creating opportunities for women to thrive. By equipping 500 women per state and the FCT, we are strengthening their capacity to build sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
Beneficiaries described the gesture as life-changing. “It’s a miracle that will change my life,” said Tina Pepple. “With this, I can support my family. I thank our mother, the First Lady, and the SDGs Office.”
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