The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women in Anambra State with business recapitalization grants of ₦50,000 each under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
The initiative, aimed at boosting women’s financial independence and supporting microbusinesses across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, was formally launched in Anambra by the wife of the state governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, at the Light House venue in Awka on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the First Lady, Dr. Soludo highlighted the programme’s focus on uplifting women through sustainable business support. She described the ₦50,000 grant as a non-repayable “seed capital” designed to revitalize existing businesses and empower women to become self-reliant contributors to economic growth and food security.
“This empowerment is not just about money, it is about potential,” Dr. Soludo stated.
“We are here to support the entrepreneurial spirit of women who wake up each day determined to provide for their families and build better communities.
By equipping our women with the right tools, we are building stronger, more resilient households and contributing to national development.”
As part of her personal support for the programme, Dr. Soludo matched the federal government’s gesture by empowering an additional 500 women with ₦50,000 each, raising the total number of beneficiaries in Anambra to 1,000.
Each recipient also received ₦7,000 to cover transportation costs, ensuring the full value of the grant could be invested directly into their businesses.
Addressing the women, she emphasized that the funds should not be used for luxury items or celebrations.
“This is not for ‘aso ebi’ or parties,” she warned.
“This is capital. Start small, manage it wisely, and you can grow it into something substantial. With the right mindset, ₦50,000 can become millions.”
The programme also included free health screenings, reinforcing Dr. Soludo’s advocacy for a healthy lifestyle through her Healthy Living Initiative.
She urged the women to take their health seriously, warning that poor health habits could undermine their financial gains.
“Most illnesses are preventable,” she said. “Eat clean, avoid processed foods, and consider starting a backyard garden. I will ensure seedlings are made available to you as part of this journey to healthy living.”
Dr. Soludo also donated wheelchairs to two physically challenged women who attended the event, moved by their resilience and determination to participate despite mobility challenges.
“With these wheelchairs, they can now move around more easily and run their businesses more effectively,” she said.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women, Children, and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, also spoke at the event, commending both Senator Tinubu and Dr. Soludo for their consistent efforts in supporting women.
She emphasized the importance of using the funds strictly for business growth.
“This money is a seed for your future,” Obinabo said. “Use it to build, not to spend on frivolities. It is an investment not only in yourselves but in your families and communities.”
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs. Pauline Anyanwu and Uche Muo, praised the transparent selection process and described the empowerment as life-changing, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to expand their small businesses.
The Women’s Economic Empowerment programme continues to roll out across the country, targeting 500 women per state, as part of Senator Tinubu’s broader Renewed Hope Initiative. Backed by a ₦1 billion donation from the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the initiative affirms the federal government’s commitment to inclusive economic development through grassroots empowerment.
Victoria Ibanga