Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a significant social investment initiative, distributing N50 million in business grants to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and disabled military veterans in Rivers State.
The cash donation ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, coincided with the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed globally under the theme: “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.”
Representing the First Lady, the Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, presented the small business grants to the beneficiaries.
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme is structured to empower 250 PWDs in Rivers State, each receiving a N200,000 business recapitalization grant. This state allocation is part of a broader national rollout covering all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Associations (DEPOWA). The national program is set to disburse a total of N1.9 billion to 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide.
Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Senator Tinubu emphasized that the timing of the launch was deliberate, aligning with the global day dedicated to PWDs. She expressed her delight that the program was being unveiled under the RHI Social Investment Framework, reinforcing the administration’s core commitment to inclusive growth.
“Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare, aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country,” the First Lady stated.
She encouraged all recipients to utilize the funds effectively, noting that the nation “will become stronger when all citizens are empowered to contribute their quota.” The initiative directly aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote shared prosperity and ensure that no segment of the Nigerian population, especially those with often-overlooked needs, is left behind.
In a move to institutionalize the support, the RHI Governing Board has approved making the Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs an annual event.
Message of Empowerment
In her address, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara confirmed that the 250 beneficiaries in Rivers State received the grants and assured that the state chapter of the RHI would collaborate closely with the National Commission on Persons with Disabilities to guarantee the rights and privileges of PWDs.
Delivering an inspiring message, the Governor’s Wife urged the beneficiaries to recognize their immense potential. “You are not defined by limitations. You are defined by your strength, your creativity, your persistence, your brilliance, and your unique contribution to this state,” she stated.
She further encouraged the recipients to utilize the N200,000 wisely: “Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family.”
