The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), led by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a ₦25 million Women Economic Empowerment Programme in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The FCT Coordinator of RHI, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, announced this during the unveiling ceremony held in Abuja on Monday.
She said that 500 women across the FCT would benefit from the RHI Recapitalization Grant, aimed at strengthening small-scale businesses and improving women’s economic participation.
Benjamins-Laniyi, who also serves as the pioneer Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, commended the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its generous donation of ₦1 billion to the initiative.
According to her, the contribution will support 18,500 women nationwide, with 500 beneficiaries each drawn from the 36 states and the FCT.
“Each of the 18,500 women will receive ₦50,000 to recapitalize and strengthen their businesses,” she said.
“Today, I have the privilege of presenting ₦50,000 each to some of the preselected 500 beneficiaries here in the FCT, amounting to ₦25 million.
“This support is a testament to the power of collaboration and generosity, and I hope it inspires others across our nation to join in uplifting women entrepreneurs.
“As we launch the Renewed Hope Initiative/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme in the FCT, let us remember that together, we are planting seeds of prosperity for our communities and our nation.”
The coordinator explained that the programme targets women traders and small-scale entrepreneurs who strive daily to sustain their families and contribute to community development.
“It is important to clarify that what we are offering is not a loan, but a grant — a seed of renewed hope designed to help you recapitalize and expand your existing businesses.
“We firmly believe that empowering women means empowering households, communities, and indeed, our entire nation,” she added.
Benjamins-Laniyi reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike and Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to the success of RHI programmes in the territory.
