ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State has commenced the disbursement of N50 million in economic empowerment grants to 250 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marking one of the state’s largest direct support interventions for vulnerable citizens.
The empowerment programme, launched nationwide in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons With Disabilities, was implemented simultaneously across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
Representing the First Lady in Asaba, the Wife of the Governor and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, led the distribution of N200,000 business recapitalisation grants to each of the 250 beneficiaries drawn from across Delta State.
Senator Tinubu, in her national message, said the empowerment scheme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to build an inclusive economy and ensure that no Nigerian—regardless of disability status—is left behind. She noted that the initiative will support 9,500 PWDs nationwide with a total of N1.9 billion in grants.
Speaking at the Delta rollout event, Deaconess Oborevwori praised the First Lady’s compassion and commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups. She described persons with disabilities as individuals “full of gifts and potential,” urging beneficiaries to use the grants wisely to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
As part of the event at Government House, Asaba, Deaconess Oborevwori also presented a wheelchair to one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Daniel Nwutu, who expressed deep appreciation for the support. He said the grant and mobility aid would significantly enhance his independence and business capacity.
The programme has now been institutionalised as an annual event under the Renewed Hope Initiative and will be observed every December 3rd in line with the United Nations’ International Day of Persons With Disabilities.
Beneficiaries across Delta described the intervention as transformative, noting that the state’s N50 million allocation offers renewed hope, dignity, and economic opportunity to persons living with disabilities.
