In a significant move to foster inclusivity and economic growth, Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially rolled out a major empowerment scheme for citizens living with disabilities. The program, which involved the distribution of a substantial N50 million in grants, was launched in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
N200,000 Grants for Business Recapitalisation
At the event held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Uyo, the First Lady announced the core details of the initiative. Through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which she chairs, 250 persons with disabilities in each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are to receive a N200,000 business recapitalisation grant. The funds are specifically designed to help beneficiaries either grow or revive their existing small-scale enterprises, thereby strengthening their livelihoods.
Senator Tinubu's message was delivered by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon Inibehe Etukudo, who represented the Coordinator of her office, Lady Helen Eno Obareki. She emphasized that the program is a direct reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims for inclusive growth where no Nigerian is left behind.
National Scale and Annual Commitment
The First Lady provided further clarity on the program's nationwide impact. She revealed that each state and the FCT received N50 million for distribution within their jurisdictions. This brings the total direct financial support to N50 million for 9,500 Nigerians living with disabilities across the country.
In a landmark announcement to ensure sustained focus, Senator Tinubu declared that this empowerment program for PWDs, valued at a total of N1.9 billion nationwide, will now be an annual event held every 3rd of December, aligning with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Encouragement and Appreciation
Addressing the beneficiaries directly, the First Lady urged them to see the grant as a seed for greater prosperity. "I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity. Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family," she stated.
She also extended gratitude to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and the First Lady Designate, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for their pivotal support in hosting the launch event. The State RHI Focal Person, Mrs Emem Orok, praised Senator Tinubu for her positive impact through various RHI interventions in Akwa Ibom.
The occasion featured goodwill messages from state officials, including the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on PWDs, Mrs Nnene Bassey. They all commended the First Lady for her compassionate commitment to financial inclusion for vulnerable groups. The event was capped with a symbolic presentation to beneficiaries from six PWD clusters and vibrant cultural performances.
