In a bid to drive women’s economic empowerment and promote sustainable development across Nigeria, the wife of the President and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the North-central Zone Women’s Empowerment Programme.
The programme is designed to directly impact 18,500 women nationwide, beginning with 500 beneficiaries from each state in the North-central Zone. This initiative marks a significant step towards gender equality and economic inclusion, with similar programmes planned for other geopolitical zones, including the South-South, which is set to be the next region to benefit.
In collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative will provide women with essential tools and resources to help them start or expand their businesses, fostering economic independence and contributing to national development.
In her keynote address, the First Lady reiterated her commitment to empowering Nigerian women, emphasizing that this initiative is a cornerstone of nation-building. “This empowerment will benefit 18,500 women across our six geopolitical zones. Today, we are equipping our women with essential tools like deep-chest freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines to build successful businesses and contribute to our nation’s prosperity,” she stated.
Mrs. Tinubu also highlighted the alignment of the initiative with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritizes inclusivity, economic growth, and sustainable development for all Nigerians. She further underscored the importance of women’s empowerment in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG-5 on gender equality and SDG-8 on decent work and economic growth.
She urged the beneficiaries to use the resources provided wisely. “Let what you receive today prosper in your hands as you contribute meaningfully to our nation’s progress,” she said.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, spoke about the broader impact of the programme. She emphasized that the initiative is not just about distributing items but about unlocking potential, fostering economic independence, and creating opportunities for women to thrive. “By equipping 500 women per state and the FCT with tools such as gas cookers, generators, deep freezers, and grinding machines, we are strengthening their capacity to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to inclusive national development,” she explained.
The Senior Special Assistant also commended the First Lady for her visionary leadership through RHI and reiterated OSSAP-SDGs’ commitment to ensuring no woman is left behind in Nigeria’s journey towards achieving the SDGs.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, spoke about the nation’s progress toward economic empowerment driven by women. She noted that the programme marks a shift from relying on donor funding to mobilizing domestic resources under President Tinubu’s leadership. “When women are empowered, families thrive, children stay in school, and communities prosper. This programme is a testament to our commitment to nation-building through women’s empowerment,” she said.
Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, emphasized the significance of empowering women, stating that initiatives like these are not just about material aid but represent opportunities for transformation. “Women are the backbone of our society. This empowerment initiative is a testament to our commitment to uplifting women and ensuring they have the tools to thrive economically and socially,” she added.
