Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has advocated for the empowerment of women to enable them to overcome challenges in business, News About Nigeria reports.
She made this known while speaking at the commencement of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) economic empowerment programme in Awka, the Anambra state capital, on Thursday.
Remi, who was represented by the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, noted that small and medium enterprises, especially women petty traders, form the backbone of Nigeria’s local economy.
According to her, empowering women economically was strategic to assist them in overcoming their business challenges.
She also stated that the initiative will help in expanding their businesses for job creation and economic growth and development, and maintained that economic empowerment remains a core objective of the RHI to support the economic reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She stated, “The empowerment of 1,000 women petty traders across the nation is a part of our continued commitment to drive economic growth towards a better life for families.
“We are all aware of the challenges faced by petty traders, who form the backbone of our local economies.
“These challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women to put food on the table for their families.
“Today, through the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of N50,000 each to recapitalise and grow their businesses.
“Women traders are the heart of our local economies, we celebrate your hard work and determination. When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and nation prosper.
Recall that the First Lady inaugurated the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme Recapitalisation Grant for 1,000 women petty traders in each of the 36 states and FCT on Aug. 15, 2024,
