Excitement filled the air in Port Harcourt as hundreds of women gathered for the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme — the first of its kind in Rivers State — convened by the First Lady of the state, Lady Valerie Fubara, on behalf of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The initiative, aimed at boosting small-scale enterprises among women, brought together beneficiaries from the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, including non-indigenes who live and do business within the state. Each participant received ₦50,000 to support their small businesses, a gesture that symbolizes the federal and state governments’ shared commitment to inclusive economic growth.
Speaking during the event, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, described the atmosphere as “electrifying,” noting that the excitement among the women reflected genuine hope for economic transformation.
“It’s actually very exciting. The mood and the buzz in the hall are enormous,” Dr. Oreh said. “This is the first Renewed Hope Initiative event being convened at the instance of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the First Lady of Rivers State. The women are particularly happy to meet with their First Lady once again after about six months.”
According to her, the empowerment programme goes beyond financial assistance — it represents a deliberate policy direction focused on economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.
“This programme signifies economic empowerment — a boost to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Rivers woman. In the speech delivered by Lady Valerie Fubara on behalf of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the message was clear: this is a demonstration of government’s genuine interest in empowering women economically,” she said.
Dr. Oreh highlighted one of the memorable lines from the First Lady’s message:
“When you sow into women, the nation reaps the benefits of that seed.”
She explained that the statement perfectly captures the essence of women empowerment as a strategic investment in national development.
“From the excitement and happiness among the women, it’s evident that this investment into their lives and small-scale businesses will translate into community development, economic growth, and overall societal advancement,” she added.
Empowerment Across All LGAs
The Renewed Hope Initiative’s reach across all 23 local government areas of Rivers State has been widely praised as an inclusive gesture, ensuring that the benefits of the programme touch both rural and urban communities.
Dr. Oreh expressed particular delight that non-indigenes were also included, describing it as a mark of fairness and unity.
“What’s particularly exciting is that this empowerment covers all 23 local government areas of the state and even includes non-indigenes who reside and do business here in Rivers State,” she said.
Advice to Beneficiaries
Offering advice to the newly empowered women, Dr. Oreh encouraged them to use the ₦50,000 support wisely to build sustainable ventures that can expand over time.
“My advice is that they should put this empowerment fund into efforts that will yield returns and multiply — to compound this ₦50,000 seed that’s being sown into their businesses. From that compounding effect, they will reap benefits as their businesses grow exponentially, stage by stage,” she advised.
The commissioner emphasized that the amount, though modest, could make a significant difference in small-scale trading and farming when properly managed.
“For many of them, that amount is quite substantial, especially in small-scale trading or local farming,” she added.
Renewed Hope for Rivers Women
The Renewed Hope Initiative has become a national symbol of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to empowering women and vulnerable groups. In Rivers State, the programme aligns with the broader development vision of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has repeatedly pledged to improve livelihoods and promote inclusive governance.
Dr. Oreh’s remarks echoed the larger message of the event — that when women are empowered, families, communities, and nations benefit.
As the women danced, sang, and exchanged words of appreciation, the hall radiated optimism — a reflection of the renewed confidence that small, deliberate steps can lead to lasting transformation
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