The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The event, held at the Alero Azazi Event Centre, Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, was simultaneously flagged off across the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
In her address, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to building an inclusive society where every Nigerian is empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development. Quoting disability rights advocate Helen Keller, she emphasized that greater progress is achieved when citizens work together to uplift one another.
As part of the empowerment scheme, 250 Persons with Disabilities in each state and the FCT will receive business recapitalization grants of ₦200,000 to boost their existing small businesses. Additionally, each state, the FCT, and DEPOWA have been allocated ₦50 million to support beneficiaries within their respective areas.
According to Senator Tinubu, a total of 9,500 Persons with Disabilities nationwide will benefit from the intervention, amounting to ₦1.9 billion. She noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive growth, social protection, and opportunities for marginalized groups.
The First Lady highlighted that, within the past two years, the Renewed Hope Initiative has supported over 100,000 women petty traders, small business owners, and persons with disabilities with direct financial grants. She further outlined ongoing interventions in agriculture, education, healthcare, social welfare, and emergency relief for vulnerable populations.
Through the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme—coordinated by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima—food items have been delivered to 22 states and the FCT, including IDP camps and other underserved communities.
Senator Tinubu also announced that the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities an annual event, to be marked every December 3rd in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
She urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunity and use the grants to grow sustainable businesses that would support their livelihoods and families.
Earlier in her welcome remark, the president of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, as she joined the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Abuja reaffirmed commitment to advancing disability-inclusive programmes within military and police communities.
Mrs Oluyede commended first lady leadership of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), describing it as a driving force for national compassion and empowerment. She highlighted this year’s theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” noting its significance at a time when families reflect on unity, gratitude and hope.
Mrs. Oluyede referenced the United Nations’ September 2025 report, which revealed that 1.3 billion people—about 16% of the global population—live with disabilities, many of whom still face barriers to education, healthcare and employment.
She praised Senator Tinubu’s nationwide efforts in addressing these gaps through impactful initiatives across Agriculture, Health, Education, Social Investment and Economic Empowerment.
The DEPOWA President emphasized that the First Lady’s commitment sends a strong message that every Nigerian, regardless of ability, deserves dignity and opportunity.
Reaffirming DEPOWA’s support, Mrs. Oluyede pledged continued collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative to promote inclusion, stability and empowerment within military and police families.
She expressed gratitude on behalf of the wives of Service Chiefs, the wife of the Inspector General of Police and all DEPOWA members, assuring the First Lady of their unalloyed loyalty. She concluded by expressing optimism for a future where every Nigerian living with a disability thrives with dignity, opportunity and renewed hope.
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