First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Distributes N50m to 250 Persons with Disabilities in Niger State
From Our Correspondent.
The First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has disbursed N50 million to 250 persons with disabilities in Niger State as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme.
The initiative was launched to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Fatima Bago, wife of the Niger State governor, stated that the programme, carried out under the RHI Social Investment Programme, aims to promote inclusive growth and social progress.
She explained that the programme is being implemented concurrently across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defense and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
The initiative, themed “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” seeks to empower individuals to meaningfully contribute to national development.
The First Lady added that the programme will provide N200,000 business recapitalization grants to 250 persons with disabilities in each state and the FCT to support small business owners.
Each state and DEPOWA will receive N50 million to distribute among beneficiaries within their regions, totaling 9,500 persons with disabilities nationwide at a cost of N1.9 billion.
She noted that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring no Nigerian is left behind.
Over the past two years, she said, RHI has supported more than 100,000 women petty traders, small business owners, and persons with disabilities through direct grants to help grow their businesses.
The initiative also complements other social investment programs in agriculture, education, health, and welfare, including aid for flood victims, communities affected by clashes, disasters, widows, the elderly, and orphans of fallen heroes.
In her remarks, Hajiya Fatima Bago, wife of the Niger State governor, described the programme as a noble effort that demonstrates the state’s commitment to inclusiveness, dignity, and equal opportunity.
Represented by Mrs. Mary Noel-Berje, Special Adviser to Gov. Umaru Bago on Women and Affirmative Action, Fatima Bago mentioned that the programme was observed quietly in solidarity with families affected by the abduction of school children in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
She stated that the initiative reflects the administration’s strong commitment to inclusiveness, dignity, and equal opportunity, emphasizing that all citizens, regardless of physical ability, deserve access to economic empowerment and social protection.
Mrs. Afiniki Dauda, Deputy Speaker of the Niger Assembly, also praised the First Lady for her compassion and patience.
She encouraged women in the state to emulate her example and advised beneficiaries to use the grants wisely.
Abdulrahman Auwal, speaking on behalf of persons with disabilities, expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the wife of the Niger governor for the financial support and pledged to use the funds to improve their businesses and living conditions.
