The First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has flagged off the distribution of ₦50,000 each to 500 women drawn from all 14 local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the ceremony in Gusau, the state capital, Hajiya Huriyya explained that the Women Economic Empowerment Programme is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative, in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
She said the 500 women were carefully selected to benefit from the support to boost their businesses, while over 18,500 women nationwide are expected to benefit under the programme.
Hajiya Huriyya clarified that the grant was free and a gift to all the beneficiaries.
Hajiya Huriyya expressed deep gratitude to the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a mother whose steadfast and dedication to women continues to restore dignity and hope across the country.
She also appreciated the Tony Elumelu Foundation for committing ₦1 billion to the empowerment of Nigerian women.
The wife of the Governor also praised her husband, Dr Dauda Lawal, for his unwavering support and described him as Rescue Governor whose consistent concern for women’s welfare inspires her work.
In addition to the cash grant according to her, each beneficiary would receive a bag of rice and transport allowance, provided by the governor, to ease their return to their respective communities.
The First Lady urged the beneficiaries to invest the money wisely in their businesses and not to share it, stressing that the opportunity should be embraced with courage and determination.
On her part, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Anka, described the initiative as both a relief and a seed of hope that would enable women to support their families, engage in small-scale businesses, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.
She thanked Senator Oluremi Tinubu for including Zamfara in the Renewed Hope Initiative and commended the state First Lady for her tireless commitment to the empowerment of women and the vulnerable.
Some beneficiaries who spoke with Radio Nigeria expressed gratitude for the support and pledged to use the funds judiciously to expand their businesses.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
