Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has rolled out a fresh round of economic empowerment for women, disbursing ₦50,000 each to 500 female entrepreneurs in Katsina State.
The initiative, delivered in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, is part of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which focuses on helping women and families strengthen their livelihoods through small business support.
At Monday’s event in Katsina, grants were distributed by the state governor’s wife, Hajiya Zulaihat Radda, who stressed that the scheme reflects the administration’s belief that “the strength of society lies not in the wealth of a few, but in the wellbeing and opportunities available to all.”
She emphasised that small businesses, particularly those run by women, often struggle to secure the capital needed to expand and withstand economic shocks. The programme, she said, seeks to bridge that gap by providing both funding and mentorship.
Addressing beneficiaries, Tinubu urged them to see the grant as a symbol of trust: “Use these funds to grow your businesses, employ others, and inspire those coming after you. Your success will be the evidence that empowerment works.”
For women like Amina Abbas from Batsari, the gesture offers long-awaited hope. “This support will go a long way in boosting my business,” she said.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to promote inclusive economic growth across Nigeria, with similar disbursements taking place in other states.
