Five Hundred women traders in Kogi State have received business recapitalisation grants under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme.
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Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday at the Government House in Lokoja, First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu described the initiative as a vital step towards empowering women to strengthen their businesses and, in turn, contribute meaningfully to the economic development of their communities.
“This is not a loan; it is a grant—a seed of renewal to strengthen your existing businesses. When you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and a nation,” she said.
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She further expressed appreciation to the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its generous donation of ₦1 billion, which will directly benefit 18,500 women across Nigeria, stressing that each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory will have 500 selected women receiving ₦50,000 each as a grant to support their businesses.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, commended Hajiya Sefinat Ododo for her transparent execution of the programme in Kogi State and lauded Senator Oluremi Tinubu for including Kogi women among the beneficiaries.
She urged the recipients to use the funds prudently.
“From little, you can achieve much. Expand your businesses, grow steadily, and remember that every big name in business today, including Dangote, started small. This grant is an opportunity for growth. Do not waste it,” she said.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Fatima Momoh, highlighted the broader impact of the programme, describing it as a collective dream of uplifting women and transforming communities.
“This support is not just about money. It’s about hope, dignity, and opportunity. Women are the heartbeat of Kogi State, and when they rise, they must also help lift others,” she stated.
In her remarks, wife of the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Zainab Umar praised the firstlady’s leadership and dedication to women’s empowerment across the 21 local government areas in the state.
“This initiative is a testament to the state government’s commitment to creating sustainable economic opportunities for women. We celebrate your strength, creativity, and potential,” she told the beneficiaries.
Wife of the Attorney General of Kogi State, Kareemat Abdullahi, also applauded the initiative, emphasizing its focus on supporting long-standing women traders who have previously operated without external assistance.
“This programme provides an alternative to burdensome loans. Used wisely, it will grow into capital that can transform not just your businesses, but also the lives of your families,” she said.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of cheques to some of the women traders, while others received electronic transfers, ensuring transparent and efficient distribution of the grant.
