The petty traders in Kwara couldn’t contain their joy on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin Kwara State after receiving business capitalization grants from the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Economic Empowerment Program launched by Her Excellency Professor Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State.
The RHI’s Economic Empowerment Program is an initiative of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu aimed at financially supporting the businesses of 1000 women petty traders in each of the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. At the launch, the Founder of Ajike Support Centre offered 1000 women the business recapitalisation grants.
Represented at the event by the State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Initiative and Chairperson Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum, Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, Senator Remi Tinubu highlighted the focus of the Nigerian government on women’s interests, particularly emphasizing economic empowerment. She emphasized the need for empowering the women in the country and acknowledged their dedication and hard work in various businesses.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for providing substantial grants through various initiatives and empowerment programs. The First Lady assured the petty traders present of the government’s dedication to supporting their businesses and ensuring conducive business environments while implementing empowerment programs to safeguard the welfare of all citizens.
She added that she planned to introduce more initiatives aimed at enriching the lives of women, youth, and all citizens across Nigeria. The First Lady noted that the sum of N50 million naira had been disbursed to the 36 states and the FCT and that each shortlisted woman petty trader would receive a sum of N50,000 to boost her business while also expressing deep concerns about the challenges faced by women in their businesses and pledged to continue providing opportunities for them to thrive in their businesses.
Before the curtain of the event dropped, the First Lady of Kwara and Chairperson Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq and other dignitaries present presented N50,000 cash support to 50 petty traders while noting that other beneficiaries would receive their grants through their various bank accounts.
Some of the dignitaries present at the event include the spouse of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, the spouse of the Chief Justice of Kwara State, Chairperson House Committee on Women Affairs, members of the State House of Assembly, the Chief of Staff to the Kwara State Governor, Secretary to Kwara State Government, State Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Assistants to the Governor, APC women leader and executives, and top government ally among others.
The event was also graced by women’s groups and associations, the youth in the state, the media, members of civil society organizations, the beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Initiative, and voluntary organizations. The list is inexhaustible.
