Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered about 250 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State with business grants as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
Each beneficiary received ₦200,000 to support and strengthen their existing small businesses.
The initiative, implemented under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme, aims to provide financial assistance to PWDs nationwide to help recapitalise their enterprises. The annual programme was launched simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including for members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, with a total of 9,500 PWDs expected to benefit from the scheme funded with ₦1.9 billion.
Delivering the First Lady’s address, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr (Mrs) Nonye Soludo—represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Oluchi Ibezim—said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks inclusive and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked.
Senator Tinubu noted that in the past two years, the RHI has provided direct financial grants to more than 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, to help expand their ventures.
The RHI National Chairman added that the organisation’s Social Investment Programmes have also supported victims of floods, communal clashes, and other disasters, as well as the elderly, widows, and orphans of fallen heroes. Through its Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, RHI has so far delivered food items to 22 states and the FCT.
Speaking earlier, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said the event reflects the genuine commitment of the Anambra First Lady to ensuring that residents of the state benefit fully from federal economic empowerment programmes.
He advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grants, reminding them that the funds could become seed capital for sustainable livelihoods if properly managed.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, said the First Lady’s gesture reinforces the call for PWDs to remain determined in pursuing their life ambitions despite physical challenges.
In his goodwill message, the Anambra State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, commended Senator Tinubu for the compassionate intervention and thanked the governor’s wife for ensuring effective implementation in the state.
He urged beneficiaries to demonstrate through responsible use of the funds that empowerment programmes deliver meaningful impact when properly utilised.
