Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday launched an empowerment programme for Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) in Anambra State under the Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Programme, aimed at promoting inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
The event, held at the Light House, Awka, coincided with the International Day of Persons Living With Disabilities and was implemented simultaneously across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.
Represented by Lady Oluchi Ibezim, wife of the Deputy Governor, Anambra First Lady Dr Nonye Soludo delivered Mrs Tinubu’s message, announcing that 250 PLWDs in each state and the FCT will receive N200,000 business recapitalisation grants to support and strengthen small businesses. She also disclosed that each state, the FCT, and DPOWA will receive N50 million for distribution to beneficiaries.
According to the First Lady, about 9,500 PLWDs nationwide are expected to benefit from the initiative, amounting to a total of N1.9 billion. She said the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusion and shared prosperity.
“Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully,” she said, stressing that the programme is designed to enhance financial independence and help beneficiaries unlock their full potential.
Tinubu added that the economic empowerment scheme will now hold annually on December 3 in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. She highlighted other interventions by the Renewed Hope Initiative, including grants to more than 100,000 petty traders and small business owners, support for disaster victims, and food outreach to 22 states, the FCT, IDP camps and other vulnerable groups.
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She urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, describing the grant as “a seed that grows into something greater.”
Anambra Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said the initiative reflects the commitment of the state’s First Lady to ensuring residents benefit from federal programmes. Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, encouraged PLWDs to continue pursuing their aspirations despite physical limitations.
Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities in the state, Ugochukwu Okeke, commended the programme, describing it as a compassionate effort of the First Lady, effectively implemented by the governor’s wife. He urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly to demonstrate the impact of empowerment.
