The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities, a nationwide intervention designed to support small business owners and strengthen economic inclusion in Zamfara.
The event which held in Gusau, the Zamfara State Capital was to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities conducted simultaneously across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Senator Tinubu said the programme reflected the administration’s commitment to ensuring that, no Nigerian is left behind.
Represented by the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal revealed that, under the scheme, 250 persons with disabilities in each state and the FCT will receive N200,000 business recapitalization grants to support and expand their existing enterprises.
Additionally, each state, the FCT, and DEPOWA are allotted N50 million for distribution within their communities.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu maintained that, 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide are expected to receive support amounting to N1.9 billion.
The First Lady noted that, the empowerment programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
She highlighted that, over the past two years, RHI has supported more than 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities.
In a major announcement, the First Lady revealed that the economic empowerment programme for persons with disabilities will now be held annually on December 3rd, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the grants, described it as a seed that grows into something greater.
Senator Tinubu expressed appreciation to Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and his wife, Huriyya Dauda Lawal, for their support of the event.
She concluded by wishing Nigerians a meaningful International Day of Persons with Disabilities and offering prayers for Zamfara State and the nation.
in a remark, the Executive Chairman People with Disability Board in Zamfara State, Alhaji Usman Ahmad Nahuce described Zamfara Governor’s wife as a true mother whose compassion and support have brought unprecedented change.
“We cannot thank you enough. We have never experienced this level of support before. This is truly the first of its kind”
He stressed that, persons with disabilities have the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the country.
“We have doctors, engineers, and lecturers among us. For example, our board secretary is a veterinary doctor. Capability is in the mind. We can think just like anyone else. All we need is support to showcase our talent.”
Other beneficiaries commended the First Lady for the intervention which they said it would go along away in supporting their businesses.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
