The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday announced a ₦1 billion donation to the Niger State government to provide relief for victims of natural disasters and banditry attacks across the state.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women Empowerment Programme in Minna, where the First Lady emphasized that the funds would go toward housing support and essential supplies for displaced families, helping them rebuild their lives and achieve economic stability.
“This donation aligns with the RHI’s mission of creating a better life for families,” Mrs. Tinubu said, stressing that the support will enable affected families to earn a living and improve their well-being.
In addition to the relief donation, Mrs. Tinubu revealed that 500 women in Niger State would receive a total of ₦25 million in empowerment grants—₦50,000 each—as part of a broader initiative targeting 18,500 women across the country. The programme, she said, is in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which contributed ₦1 billion to the RHI to support female petty traders and small-scale entrepreneurs in all 36 states and the FCT.
“This is not a loan,” she clarified. “It is a grant— a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalise your existing businesses.”
She added that the economic empowerment effort is rooted in the belief that empowering women leads to stronger households, communities, and ultimately, a more prosperous nation.
Simultaneously launched in Niger and Adamawa States, the empowerment programme will soon extend to other states and the FCT, with beneficiaries receiving direct cash support to boost their businesses.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, in his remarks, expressed deep gratitude to the First Lady, acknowledging her consistent support to the state. He recalled her previous visit during a mine explosion incident, where she donated ₦100 million to victims, significantly improving lives and livelihoods.
“There is no better time to receive this support than now, as our people are grappling with the impact of severe flooding,” Bago said, adding that the First Lady’s compassion reflects the leadership values of President Bola Tinubu.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including officials from the Renewed Hope Initiative, representatives of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and community leaders, marking a significant step toward economic resilience and social recovery in Niger State.
