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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched empowerment programmes for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State as part of her nationwide “Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Programme.”
Coinciding with the International Day of Persons With Disabilities, the programme is being launched simultaneously across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, including the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.
It is designed to provide N200,000 business recapitalisation grants to 250 PLWDs in each state to support small business owners in strengthening their livelihoods. Across Nigeria, 9,500 PLWDs are set to benefit from a total of N1.9 billion in grants.
In Anambra, the initiative was launched at the Light House, Awka, by the wife of the state governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, represented by the Deputy Governor’s wife, Lady Oluchi Ibezim. Reading a speech on behalf of the First Lady, she highlighted that the empowerment would enhance financial independence and help beneficiaries unlock their full potential.
The First Lady emphasised that the Economic Empowerment Programme will become an annual event, held every December 3, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons Living With Disabilities. She urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely, turning them into a seed that grows into something greater, a business that sustains you and your family.
Earlier in the ceremony, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, praised the First Lady’s commitment to ensuring that Anambra residents are included in federal empowerment initiatives.
Ms Ify Obinabo, Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, encouraged PLWDs to strive for their ambitions regardless of physical challenges, while Ugochukwu Okeke, Anambra Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, described the programme as a compassionate and impactful initiative.
The launch in Anambra underscored Senator Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable empowerment, reinforcing the government’s resolve to leave no Nigerian behind, especially those who are vulnerable and whose needs are overlooked.
