The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has disbursed N50,000 each to 500 women entrepreneurs in Katsina State to strengthen small-scale businesses and promote grassroots economic growth.
The empowerment programme, which took place in Katsina on Monday, aims to provide financial support to hardworking women striving to sustain their families and communities through small businesses.
Speaking during the event, the wife of the Katsina State Governor, Hajiya Zulaihat Radda, described the gesture as a meaningful step toward rebuilding hope and economic independence among women.
“This programme has been launched nationwide to uplift industrious women and families who need a little push to build a brighter future,” she said. “From the outset of this administration, our belief has remained firm — that the real strength of any nation lies not in the wealth of a few, but in the opportunities and wellbeing of the many.”
Hajiya Zulaihat noted that small businesses remain the foundation of Nigeria’s economy, providing essential services, jobs, and education for countless households. However, she lamented that access to capital continues to be a major challenge, particularly for women entrepreneurs.
She explained that the Renewed Hope Initiative, founded by the First Lady, was created to bridge this gap by providing women with training, mentorship, and resources to help them grow from petty traders into sustainable business owners.
“With this recapitalisation grant, more women now have the chance to expand their ventures and pursue bigger dreams,” she stated. “This is not just financial assistance — it is a symbol of trust. I urge all beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, to grow their businesses, employ others, and inspire future generations.”
Hajiya Zulaihat expressed confidence that the success stories from the beneficiaries would serve as proof that true empowerment is achievable when women are supported and given equal opportunities.
“I firmly believe that prosperity should not be the privilege of a select few,” she added. “It is the right of every woman, every youth, and every family. Through this initiative, we are demonstrating that when leadership listens and partnerships thrive, renewed hope becomes a reality.”
One of the beneficiaries, Malama Amina Abbas from Batsari Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the Governor’s wife for the financial support. She said the grant would make a significant difference in her business, describing it as the opportunity she had long been waiting for.
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