Oluremi Tinubu Gives ₦25m Grants to 500 Women in Ekiti

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women in Ekiti State through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme. Each beneficiary received a grant of ₦50,000 to strengthen and grow their existing small businesses. The event, which took place in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, was aimed at giving women financial support during a difficult economic period.

Mrs Tinubu was represented at the programme by the wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji. She explained that the initiative is designed to help women recapitalise their businesses and create more income opportunities for their families. She emphasised that the money is not a loan but a seed of renewed hope that must be used wisely.

According to the First Lady, the programme is being carried out in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which donated ₦1 billion to assist 18,500 women across the country. As a result, 500 women in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are receiving ₦50,000 each to support their economic activities.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Monisade Afuye, said the grant would significantly help the beneficiaries, given the current economic challenges in the country. She noted that many women have small businesses that only require a little support to grow and become sustainable.

A representative of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mrs Moyosade Fakunle, assured the gathering that women who did not benefit in the current phase would have their turn in subsequent rounds of the programme. She said the initiative is continuous and aimed at reaching as many women as possible.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the organisers of the programme. They described the grant as a life-changing opportunity and urged the government to continue with similar programmes that reduce poverty and improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The Renewed Hope Initiative is part of the First Lady’s effort to promote economic empowerment across the nation. With the successful distribution of funds in Ekiti, many women are hopeful that their businesses will grow and provide better support for their families.