In her bid to drive women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development, especially at the grassroots, the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has launched an empowerment programme for women in the North Central Zone of the country.
The program is aimed at directly impacting 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, starting with 500 beneficiaries from each state in the North Central Zone.
The initiative, which is in collaboration between the First Lady’s pet project; Renewed Hope Initiative, (RHI) and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) will provide women with tools and resources to start or grow their businesses.
It will also help foster economic independence and contribute to national development.
Delivering the keynote address, Mrs Tinubu expressed her commitment to empowering Nigerian women as a cornerstone of nation-building.
“This empowerment will benefit 18,500 women across our six geopolitical zones. Today, we are equipping our women with essential tools like deep-chest freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines to build successful businesses and contribute to our nation’s prosperity.
“Recognizing the critical role women play in our society, this initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes inclusivity, economic growth, and sustainable development for all Nigerians,” said the First Lady.
She further emphasized the alignment of this initiative with global development goals.
“Women’s empowerment is central to achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG-5 on gender equality and SDG-8 on decent work and economic growth. These items are not just tools; they are stepping stones toward financial independence and a better future for Nigerian women.
“To all beneficiaries here today, I encourage you to use these resources wisely to build better lives for yourselves and your families. Let what you receive today prosper in your hands as you contribute meaningfully to our nation’s progress.”
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, highlighted the broader impact of the program on sustainable development.
“Today’s programme is not just about distributing empowerment items; it is about unlocking potential, fostering economic independence, and creating opportunities for women to thrive. By equipping 500 women per state and the FCT with tools such as gas cookers, generators, deep freezers, and grinding machines, we are strengthening their capacity to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to inclusive national development,” she added.
Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim also noted that the nation, especially through the efforts of the First Lady, her ministry and other stakeholders, is set to achieve the Economic Boost driven by women.
“This initiative is unprecedented. For years, empowerment programmes have relied heavily on donor funding. Today marks a shift as domestic resources are being mobilized under Mr. President’s leadership to empower women at all levels.
“When women are empowered, families thrive, children stay in school, and communities prosper. This program is a testament to our commitment to nation-building through women’s empowerment,” she said.
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, highlighted the significance of empowering women, emphasizing that such initiatives symbolize more than material aid but that they represent opportunities for transformation and sustainable development.
“Women are the backbone of our society. This empowerment initiative is a testament to our commitment to uplifting women and ensuring they have the tools to thrive economically and socially,” she said.
The North Central Zone Women’s Empowerment Programme marks a significant milestone in advancing gender equality and economic inclusion in Nigeria.
With plans already underway for similar initiatives in other geopolitical zones, including the South-South as the next beneficiary region, the program underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to empowering women as agents of change in achieving sustainable development.
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