First Lady Appeals to Market Women Against Yuletide Price Hikes

As the festive season approaches, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged market women across the country to avoid excessive increases in food prices.

Addressing the 2024 Ebonyi Women’s Day Celebration at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the importance of fairness and compassion in easing the financial burden on citizens during the yuletide.

“With the Yuletide season fast approaching, I want to plead with all our market women to refrain from unfair hikes in prices of food items during the festive season,” she said.

The First Lady highlighted her commitment to women’s empowerment by donating ₦50 million, 20,000 wrappers, shoes, and bags through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) under the Social Investment Programme to support businesses in Ebonyi State.

Themed “Uplifting Women for Sustainable Development,” the event celebrated women’s pivotal role in national progress. Mrs. Tinubu commended Ebonyi women for their support during recent elections and praised Governor Francis Nwifuru for exceeding the 35% quota in appointing women to key positions, including the Deputy Governor and Secretary to the State Government.

She further announced a state-led initiative by Governor Nwifuru to empower 130 women with ₦1 million each as business recapitalization grants.

During her visit, Mrs. Tinubu also inaugurated a 3.1-kilometer runway at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, ahead of the scheduled Dec. 13 launch of commercial flight operations.

At a meeting with traditional rulers at the Presidential Lodge, the First Lady praised their role in maintaining peace in the state and urged them to continue supporting the government through prayers and advocacy.

“Nigeria has everything it takes to be a great nation. We must bless this land and foster unity and development,” she stated.

Governor Nwifuru expressed appreciation for the First Lady’s visit, her impactful initiatives, and the benefits they bring to Ebonyi women, acknowledging their vital contributions to the state’s progress.