Renewed Hope Initiative puts smiles to the faces of Ondo State Women

The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) led by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for its efforts in empowering women across the country. The Governor highlighted the crucial role women play in both the home and society, emphasizing the need for empowerment to help them sustain these roles.

These remarks were made during the official flag-off of the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme, where recapitalization grants were distributed to 1,000 women petty traders in Akure. Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude to the First Lady for launching such a program during a challenging economic period, noting that many women are struggling to meet their domestic responsibilities.

In her address, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Deaconess Omolola Fagbemi, explained that the grant is intended to assist women petty traders in overcoming business challenges, expanding their enterprises, creating jobs, and contributing more effectively to the economy. She underscored that when women thrive, their families and communities benefit, leading to national prosperity.

The RHI Economic Empowerment Programme aims to provide 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders in each state with a grant of fifty thousand naira (₦50,000) to recapitalize and grow their businesses. This initiative is being implemented simultaneously across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, with a total of ₦1.85 billion being disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders nationwide.

“Economic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative, and we have consistently delivered on this promise for both women and youth across the six geopolitical zones, supporting the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” stated Senator Tinubu.

During the event, Deaconess Fagbemi, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Sarah Esakumoh, emphasized the importance of the program in enhancing the economic status of women. She noted that Ondo State is receiving its fair share, with 1,000 women from 18 local government areas benefiting from the ₦50,000 grant.

RHI, according to Fagbemi, is a flagship intervention program designed by the First Lady to empower women and their children. She reiterated the state government’s commitment to investing in women and children to bridge existing gaps.

Some beneficiaries, including Sama Ileola, Adewale Comfort, and Omolayo Comfort, expressed their gratitude to the First Lady and vowed to use the grants to boost their businesses.

The event was attended by notable figures such as Dr. Mrs. Olawumi Ilawole, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education; Chief Mrs. Olufunke Adu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Women Relations; Chief Mrs. Bolade Eko Davies, Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade Affairs; and Chief Mrs. Oluwakemi Adedapo Aisida, Aare Iyalajes Iyalojas of Ondo State.