500 Rivers State women has graciously been equipped to kickstart or grow their businesses, courtesy of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The empowerment items included but was not limited to deep freezers, ovens, grinding machines, generators, etc and Rivers women from all 23 local government areas of the state were beneficiaries.
The empowerment program, held in Port Harcourt, was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and supported by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Representing the First Lady was Dr. Theresa Ibas, wife of the Rivers State Administrator. She said the program is part of a national plan to empower 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six zones and help families become more self-reliant.
“These tools are not just gifts. They are opportunities for women to start small businesses, support their families, and contribute to national growth,” Dr. Ibas said.
She also used the event to encourage peace and unity in the state. “Development can only happen when there is peace. Let us work together to keep our state safe and stable,” she added.
The First Lady noted that the program reflects President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on inclusion, economic growth, and support for women.
Speaking also at the event, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who oversees the SDGs in Nigeria, said empowering women is one of the best ways to fight poverty and hunger. “When women are empowered, homes and communities become stronger,” she said.
Mrs. Tonye Oniyinde-Briggs, the Rivers State coordinator for RHI, said all 500 beneficiaries were carefully selected and encouraged them to make good use of the equipment provided.
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