In a significant move to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), spearheaded by Nigeria's First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered hundreds of citizens in Ogun State.
Financial Boost for Small Businesses
A total of 250 individuals living with disabilities, including veterans from various security agencies, each received a business recapitalisation grant of N200,000. The presentation ceremony took place on Thursday, 4th December, at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta.
The event, themed “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” saw the First Lady represented by the Ogun State First Lady and RHI State Coordinator, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun. She emphasised that the programme is a direct reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which is committed to inclusive growth and ensuring no Nigerian is left behind.
National Scale of Support and Past Achievements
Mrs. Tinubu, through her representative, announced that the N200,000 grant was being extended to 250 beneficiaries in every state across the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Additionally, the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Associations are to receive N50 million each for distribution to beneficiaries within their networks.
She highlighted that over the past two years, the RHI has directly supported more than 100,000 Nigerian women, including petty traders, small-scale entrepreneurs, and persons with disabilities. The First Lady urged the latest beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely to build sustainable businesses that can provide for their families.
Government's Commitment to Inclusivity
Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Honourable Adijat Adeleye, revealed ongoing collaborative efforts with the State House of Assembly to enhance the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
She noted a key legislative progress, stating, "A motion mandating the presence of sign language interpreters in all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) has been passed." Adeleye added that the resilience and daily experiences of PWDs directly inspire the state's policy formulations.
Beneficiaries Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyi and Mrs. Temitope Oladipupo, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed profound gratitude to Senator Tinubu and Mrs. Abiodun. They described the financial support as a critical lifeline for their enterprises and pledged to use the grants judiciously for their intended purpose.
