The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme, empowered 250 Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in Zamfara with cash grants.
The initiative targets physically challenged veterans from the military, police, and other paramilitary organizations, aiming to boost their small businesses. It also marks the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), observed annually on December 3 under the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.” The observance, promoted by the United Nations since 1992, seeks to raise awareness of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Presenting the grants in Gusau on Wednesday, the First Lady expressed delight over the launch of the Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs under the RHI Social Investment Programme. She was represented by the Zamfara Governor’s Wife, Huriyya Lawal. The programme was simultaneously launched across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
“The nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully. As Helen Keller once said, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,’” she said. “A truly inclusive society is built when we stand together, creating opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts to collective progress.”
She explained that each of the 250 PWDs would receive N200,000 Business Recapitalization Grants to recapitalize and strengthen their small businesses. In addition, each state, the FCT, and DEPOWA would receive N50 million to distribute to beneficiaries within their domains. In total, 9,500 PWDs nationwide would benefit from the programme, amounting to N1.9 billion.
According to the First Lady, the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which promotes inclusive growth and shared prosperity, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, particularly those whose needs are often overlooked.
She noted that the RHI has supported over 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including physically challenged individuals, with direct financial grants to grow their businesses. The Federal Government continues to improve lives through interventions in agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health, and social welfare, benefiting families across the country.
“The Social Investment Programmes also provide financial and material support to victims of flooding, communal clashes, and disasters, as well as the elderly, widows, and orphans of fallen heroes,” she said.
“To all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity. Let it be a seed that grows into something greater—a business that sustains you and your families. I thank the governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and his wife, Huriyya, for their support. Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities.”
Appreciating the gesture, the state Chairman of Persons With Disabilities, Usman Nahuche, lauded the Federal Government’s efforts to support physically challenged persons, adding that the intervention would rekindle hope and empower beneficiaries to boost their businesses.
