By Prosper Mene
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women in Plateau State with N25 million in business grants. Each woman received N50,000 to grow their small businesses, such as trading, farming, and crafts, under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).
The grant handover took place at Rayfield Government House in Jos, with Mrs. Helen Mutfwang, wife of the Plateau State Governor, representing Senator Tinubu. “This money is not a loan but a tool to help you expand your businesses and support your families,” Tinubu said through her representative. “When we empower women, we strengthen communities and the nation.”The 500 women, selected from all 17 local government areas in Plateau, can use the funds to buy more goods, hire help, or improve their businesses.
A beneficiary, Amina Dung, a vegetable seller, said, “This N50,000 will help me stock more produce and support my children.”The program, backed by a N1 billion TEF fund, aims to support 18,500 women across Nigeria. It has already reached states like Bauchi and Ondo, helping women grow their businesses and fight poverty.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang praised the initiative, saying it brings hope to Plateau women facing economic and security challenges.The RHI and TEF will monitor the women’s progress and provide training to ensure the grants make a lasting impact.
