As part of activities marking the 2025 marking the 2025 World Disability Day, First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered Persons With Disability under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme.

At an event in Lokoja to commemorate the day with the theme: “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”, Senator Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to building an all-inclusive society through impactful programmes of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The event, held simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, formed part of activities marking the World Disability Day.

Represented by the Wife of the Kogi State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, the First Lady disclosed that the RHI is providing a ₦200,000 business recapitalisation grant to 250 PWDs in each state and the FCT to strengthen their livelihoods.

“Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute their quota to the development of society,” she stated.

She also announced that the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DAPOWA) in each state and the FCT will receive ₦50 million for onward distribution to beneficiaries, an initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aimed at ensuring inclusivity and expanding opportunities for vulnerable groups.

Reflecting on the achievements of the Renewed Hope Initiative over the last two years, Senator Oluremi Tinubu revealed that “over 100,000 small business owners, including IDPs, PWDs, orphans, and widows have benefited from RHI interventions spanning agriculture, social welfare, education, health, and economic empowerment.”

In addition, the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Programme has supported vulnerable communities with relief materials and food items across 22 states and the FCT, particularly targeting IDPs, flood victims, and other groups in need.

Reaffirming her dedication to uplifting vulnerable populations, the First Lady announced that the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs will now become an annual event, held every 3rd of December to mark the International Day of Persons With Disabilities.

She urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely, saying, “Let this be a seed that grows into something greater, a business that can sustain your household and your family.”

She expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to uplifting women, children and vulnerable groups nationwide.

She also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his sustained support for citizens across the state.