ASABA/Nigeria: The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the Delta State Government, has empowered 1,000 women traders in Delta State with financial grants to strengthen and expand their businesses.
The programme, held in Asaba, is part of the nationwide women’s empowerment drive launched by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at supporting small-scale enterprises and promoting economic growth at the grassroots.
Senator Tinubu, represented at the event, emphasized that the grants were not loans but direct support to recapitalize existing businesses. “It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation,” she said.
She applauded the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its ₦1 billion donation to the initiative, which will benefit 18,500 women across the country. Each state, including the Federal Capital Territory, is expected to produce 500 beneficiaries, each receiving ₦50,000.
Wife of the Delta State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, said her husband’s administration augmented the programme by sponsoring an additional 500 women traders, raising the number of beneficiaries in Delta State to 1,000.
She highlighted the inclusivity of the selection process, noting that beneficiaries were drawn from various religious, professional, and ethnic groups. “Among the 1,000 beneficiaries are Christian and Muslim women groups, wives of military and paramilitary personnel, journalists, and women from the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa communities. This inclusivity reflects the true spirit of the Renewed Hope Initiative,” she said.
Deaconess Oborevwori urged the women to use the grants wisely, support their families, and contribute to community growth. She also encouraged continued prayers and support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in their efforts to create more opportunities for women.
The event featured the symbolic presentation of ₦50,000 grants to selected traders, witnessed by dignitaries, community leaders, and women’s groups.
Excited beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the intervention, describing it as timely and a major boost to their businesses and family welfare.
