By RismadarVoice Reporter
December 3, 2025
The First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, launched the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Akwa Ibom State, marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Senator Tinubu announced the disbursement of N50 million to beneficiaries in the state.
She disclosed that 250 persons with disabilities in each state and the Federal Capital Territory have been allocated N200,000 business recapitalisation grants to support the expansion or revival of their small businesses.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo, on behalf of the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, the First Lady said the programme was conceived to strengthen the livelihoods of Nigerians with special needs and foster their inclusion in national development.
“Today, the Renewed Hope Initiative will provide the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) Business Recapitalisation Grants to two hundred and fifty (250) persons with disabilities in each state and the FCT to support small business owners to recapitalise their existing businesses and strengthen their means of livelihood.” She stated.
She noted that every state and the FCT had received N50 million for onward distribution, bringing the total number of beneficiaries nationwide to 9,500.
Senator Tinubu further announced that the empowerment programme valued at N1.9 billion will henceforth hold annually on December 3rd in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
To the beneficiaries, she offered words of encouragement, urging them to utilise the funds judiciously.
Senator Tinubu expressed appreciation to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and the First Lady Designate, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for their support in hosting the event.
The State RHI Focal Person, Mrs. Emem Orok, commended the First Lady for her consistent contributions to improving the welfare of Akwa Ibom residents through various RHI programmes.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga; the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Council, Hon. Glory Effiong; and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, Mrs. Nnene Bassey, all of whom praised the First Lady for her compassionate commitment to inclusivity and her continued support for vulnerable groups.
