First Lady Disburses N65m to Empower 1,300 FCT Women Traders
Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has granted N65 million to 1,300 women petty traders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of her ongoing efforts to support small-scale entrepreneurs.
During a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Mrs. Tinubu, represented by Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, announced that each beneficiary would receive N50,000 to boost and recapitalize their businesses under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme.
The First Lady emphasized that the initiative was designed to help women entrepreneurs overcome financial challenges, expand their businesses, and contribute to job creation and national economic growth.
“This grant is a testament to our commitment to economic growth and improving the lives of families across Nigeria,” she stated. “Our women traders form the backbone of the local economy, and despite the challenges they face, they continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and strength.”
Mrs. Tinubu noted that the N65 million disbursed in the FCT is part of a larger initiative, with N1.85 billion being distributed to 37,000 women petty traders across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT. She reiterated the importance of women’s economic empowerment in fostering national development, adding, “When women thrive, their families and communities prosper.”
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi further assured the beneficiaries of continued support from the Renewed Hope Initiative, while also highlighting the UN Women’s contribution of N15 million to the programme, which allowed an additional 300 women to benefit from the grants.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, represented by Hajiya Majidda Musa, hailed the initiative as a critical step in empowering women entrepreneurs and enhancing their economic resilience.
Beneficiaries like Mrs. Maimuna Erondi, who sells fish and groundnut cake, and Mrs. Veronica Olajide, a women’s shoe vendor, expressed their gratitude to the First Lady, noting that the N50,000 grant would significantly help in expanding their businesses and improving their livelihoods.
The programme underscores the government’s commitment to investing in women’s growth and creating opportunities for a brighter future.
