Remi Tinubu pledges N50 Million Grant for 250 Entrepreneurs

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a N50 million grant for 250 persons living with disabilities (PLDs) to support and expand their small businesses.

The initiative falls under the economic empowerment programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which seeks to uplift vulnerable groups across the country.

Speaking during the Food Outreach event held in Umuahia, Abia State, on Friday, the First Lady—represented by Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President—stated that the beneficiaries were selected from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The event formed part of the RHI’s Social Investment Programme.

She formally handed over food items to Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor, for onward distribution to vulnerable families in the state. She noted that the food outreach, which began in Abuja on March 8, 2024, has now reached 12 states, including Abia. Others include Benue, Cross River, Oyo, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, and Nasarawa.

The First Lady attributed the steady progress of the food outreach scheme to the consistent support of ASR Africa and an anonymous donor, who have been supplying food items monthly. She added that Enugu and Kaduna states are next in line for the programme.

Highlighting other ongoing RHI initiatives, Mrs. Tinubu mentioned partnerships with the Ministry of Environment to establish Environment Clubs in secondary and tertiary institutions, aimed at promoting tree planting and a cleaner environment. She also revealed plans to distribute 10,000 packs of sanitary pads to girls in rural areas across states under the “Glow with Confidence” scheme to ensure girls remain in school during their menstrual cycle.

Governor Alex Otti, who made a brief appearance at the event, praised the First Lady’s compassion and efforts, acknowledging the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians. He said the period calls for collective support from those who are better off.

“These are clearly difficult times for millions of Nigerians, but a time like this also presents a great opportunity for the privileged to reach out to those with little in their hands, to reassure them that we are not defined by our economic realities, but united in a shared humanity,” Otti said.

Mrs. Priscilla Otti, who coordinates RHI in Abia, stated that the programme has already had visible impact in areas such as education, health, empowerment, and nutrition. To complement the donations, the state government has added 3,000 bags of 10kg rice and pledged transparent distribution.

She stressed the importance of collective action in tackling hunger, saying, “Together, let us continue to act in love, to lead with empathy, and to build a future where every home in Abia State, and indeed Nigeria, is free from hunger.”