Mrs Tinubu Disburses N1.9bn to 9,500 Persons With Disabilities Nationwide
…As Beneficiaries in Oyo state receive N200,000 each as initiative becomes an annual national programme
First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has launched a major economic empowerment programme targeting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the country.
The scheme was unveiled by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Oyo State as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Under the programme, 250 Persons with Disabilities in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory will receive N200,000 business recapitalization grants to support their small businesses and boost their livelihoods.
In addition, each state, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has been allocated N50 million to further support beneficiaries within their respective domains.
Overall, 9,500 Nigerians with disabilities are expected to benefit from the intervention, amounting to a total disbursement of N1.9 billion.
Mrs Oluremi Tinubu who was represented by the Wife of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Tamunumini Makinde said that the initiative reinforces President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to promote inclusive growth and ensure that no Nigerian is left behind.
She noted that the RHI has already supported more than 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including PWDs, with financial grants over the past two years.
Senator Tinubu added that the RHI has also made significant contributions in the areas of agriculture, education, health, and social welfare, including providing relief materials to victims of floods, communal clashes, and other disasters. Food assistance has so far reached 22 states and the FCT, along with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable communities.
She announced that the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities will now become an annual event, to be held every December 3rd in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The First Lady urged beneficiaries to make diligent use of the funds to grow sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods. She also appreciated the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and his wife, Tamunominini Makinde, for their support during the programme launch.
Earlier in his welcome address, The Director General Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi said that the administration of Engr. Set Makinde has ensured that across all sectors, from education and health to employment, infrastructure, and social welfare noting that is is a deliberate quota is preserved to safeguard the well-being, participation, and advancement of persons with disabilities.
He noted that the government is committed to inclusive approach not only to strengthen the state but to promote fairness, equity, and and sustainable development.
Barr. Adekanmbi assured that the State government is ready to build a state where every person, regardless of ability, can thrive without barriers inorder to deepen inclusion, expand opportunities, and secure a brighter future for all.
