Mrs Tinubu Flags Off ₦1 Billion Women Empowerment Scheme in Oyo State

…As Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with Tony Elumelu Foundation to support 18,500 women with ₦50,000 grants nationwide.

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially launched the Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Oyo State under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ibadan, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu who was represented by the wife of the Acting Governor, Oyo State, Ajibola Lawal expressed her enthusiasm for the programme, which is aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and small-scale business owners across the country.

“This programme is about supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of our women traders and small business owners who work tirelessly each day to care for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities,” she said.

She emphasized that the support being provided is not a loan but a grant—“a seed of renewed hope”—intended to help women recapitalize their existing businesses.

Senator Tinubu stated, “It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation.”

As part of the initiative, 500 women in each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory will receive ₦50,000 each to boost their small businesses. In total, 18,500 women nationwide will benefit from the programme, made possible by a ₦1 billion donation from the Tony Elumelu Foundation to the Renewed Hope Initiative.

At the event, the First Lady presented the grant to a selection of the 500 prequalified beneficiaries in Oyo State, marking the official commencement of disbursements.

She also extended her appreciation to the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, and his wife, Her Excellency Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, for their support in the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Initiative in the state.

“To the glory of God, I hereby flag off the Renewed Hope Initiative/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme for the benefit of the good people of this State,” she declared.

Earlier in her remarks, The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun charged all the beneficiaries to make use grants given to them in strengthen their businesses financially for financial independent.

In his Goodwill message, Commissioner for Energy, Prof. Dahud Sangodoyin noted that the grant will mark the beginning of their entrepreneur journey, urging them to use the support wisely for the growth of their businesses and become role-models in their respective communities.