Victoria Mbangwa
In a bid to foster economic independence among Nigerian women, the Federal Government, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has begun distributing empowerment equipment to 3,500 women across the North Central zone, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) in collaboration with Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aims to equip women with tools to enhance entrepreneurship and improve livelihoods.
Flagging off the distribution in Lokoja, Kogi State, the First Lady—represented by the wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo—emphasized the importance of women’s economic empowerment in achieving national development.
This empowerment will benefit 18,500 women across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
“The North central zone is the first to benefit from this program, and today, the women will be given items such as Deep-chest freezers, Maxi gas cookers with Ovens, Generators, and Industrial grinding machines to start grow their existing businesses.
“This empowerment will benefit 18,500 women across the country’s six geopolitical zones,” she stated. “The North central zone is the first to benefit from this program, and today, the women will be given items such as Deep-chest freezers, Maxi gas cookers with Ovens, Generators, and Industrial grinding machines to start grow their existing businesses.”
The initiative, she added, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive growth and sustainable development, with a special focus on empowering women.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on SDGs, Mr. Usman Musa, she highlighted past efforts, including the establishment of 66 Skills Acquisition Centres and Transit Homes for women and girls, as well as ICT training programs.
“Today’s programme is not just about distributing empowerment items; it is about unlocking potential, fostering economic independence and creating opportunities for women to thrive,” Orelope-Adefulire said. “Women entrepreneurs play a critical role in job creation, poverty reduction, and national development.”
Some beneficiaries, including Mrs. Khadijat Abdullahi from Okehi, Mrs. Hannah Mohammed from Ibaji, and Mrs. Dorcas Olayemi from Kabba-Bunu, expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a life-changing opportunity.
“This is the first time we are witnessing such a targeted effort to eradicate poverty at the grassroots,” Olayemi remarked. “It will go a long way in improving our lives and businesses.”
The South-South zone is set to be the next beneficiary of the nationwide empowerment initiative.
