First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Empowers 18,500 Women Nationwide

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Empowers 18,500 Women Nationwide

In a bold move to promote women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development at the grassroots level, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the North Central Zone Women’s Empowerment Programme. The initiative, part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), aims to directly impact 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, beginning with 500 beneficiaries in each state of the North Central region.

The programme, a collaboration between RHI and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), is designed to provide women with essential tools and resources to establish or expand their businesses. These resources include deep-chest freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines, fostering economic independence and contributing to national development.

During the launch event, Senator Tinubu reaffirmed her dedication to empowering Nigerian women as a key component of national progress.

“This empowerment programme will benefit 18,500 women across our six geopolitical zones. By equipping women with essential business tools, we are enabling them to build successful enterprises and contribute to our nation’s prosperity. Recognizing the vital role women play in our society, this initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusivity, economic growth, and sustainable development for all Nigerians,” she stated.

She also emphasized the programme’s alignment with global development goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on gender equality and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.

“These items are not just tools; they are stepping stones towards financial independence and a better future for Nigerian women. I urge all beneficiaries to use these resources wisely to build better lives for themselves and their families,” she added.

Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating that it goes beyond the distribution of business tools.

“This programme is about unlocking potential, fostering economic independence, and creating opportunities for women to thrive. By equipping 500 women per state and the FCT, we are strengthening their capacity to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to inclusive national development,” she said.

Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, lauded the initiative, describing it as a game-changer for women’s economic inclusion in Nigeria.

“This programme marks a shift from donor-funded empowerment to one driven by domestic resources under the leadership of Mr. President. When women are empowered, families thrive, children stay in school, and communities prosper. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to nation-building through women’s empowerment,” she noted.

Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), emphasized the transformative potential of empowering women, describing them as the backbone of society.

“This initiative is not just about material aid; it represents an opportunity for transformation and sustainable development. These tools will enable women to build thriving businesses, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to our communities,” she stated.

The North Central Zone Women’s Empowerment Programme marks a significant milestone in advancing gender equality and economic inclusion in Nigeria. With plans already in motion to expand the initiative to other regions, including the South-South as the next beneficiary zone, the programme underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering women as agents of change in achieving sustainable development.