From Nwogha Ndubuisi Abakaliki
As part of an economic empowerment programme, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, has announced the empowerment of 1,000 petty traders in Ebonyi State.
Flagging off the programme at the Government House, Abakaliki, Senator Tinubu said the gesture was part of the administration’s plan to boost economic prosperity of the country.
The wife of the president represented by the First Lady of Ebonyi State, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru noted that the initiative was part of government’s plan to encourage small business owners and strengthen the economy.
“I am honored to be here today for the empowerment of 1,000 petty traders across the nation.
“This programme is part of our continued commitment to drive economic growth for families”.
Mrs Nwifuru, who noted that the programme is ongoing simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, explained that 37,000 female petty traders will receive N5,000 grant each.
“This event is taking place simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT as we are aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, especially petty traders who are the backbone of our local economy.
“This challenges, however, did not deter the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your courage and resilience to put food on the tables of your families.
“Today, through the the Renewed Hope Initiative, we are providing grants to 1,000 petty traders per state worth N50,000 each to recapitalise and grow their business.”
She added that, “A total of N1 billion will be disbursed to 37,000 petty traders across the nation. The grants is to assist our women who are pretty traders withstand the challenges and expand their businesses, create more jobs and contribute robustly to our economy.
“Economic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative and it has consistently delivered on this promise to women and youths across the six geopolitical zones to support the economic reform of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“We recognise that empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic one because when women thrive, their families and by extension, our communities and nation prosper.
“I will like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our RHI state coordinators, first ladies and everyone that made this programme a reality, particularly the effort in identifying the traders, this is really commendable. To the 1,000 petty traders who are the beneficiaries of this programme, I say you are the heart of our local economy, the foundation of our communities and unsung heroes of our nation because you have shown incredible resilience in overcoming countless challenges to build your businesses.
“Today, we celebrate your hard work and determination, let us continue to work together to build a Nigeria where every women has the opportunity to succeed, where every small business needs to grow and contribute to our nation’s prosperity,” she said.
