No fewer than 1,000 petty traders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) received financial support and business tools on Saturday as the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, intensified efforts to boost small businesses and lift vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty.
The beneficiaries, drawn from across the FCT, received the empowerment package at Karon Majigi in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) championed by the First Lady.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, praised Senator Tinubu for what she described as her unwavering commitment to empowering vulnerable groups and promoting economic inclusion.
Mahmoud said the programme was a clear reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the welfare and economic empowerment of ordinary Nigerians.
She noted that the intervention would help beneficiaries strengthen their businesses, become self-reliant and improve their living standards.
“The programme demonstrates the commitment of the Federal Government to ensuring that vulnerable citizens are not left behind in the nation’s development process,” she said.
The minister commended the First Lady for consistently providing hope and economic opportunities to disadvantaged Nigerians through various humanitarian interventions across the country.
According to her, empowering vulnerable groups should not be seen as charity but as an investment in human capital and national development.
Mahmoud reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to supporting policies and programmes that promote inclusion, equal opportunities and economic empowerment for all residents.
She urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the support provided to expand their businesses and improve their economic fortunes.
“The FCT Administration will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to build an inclusive society where every citizen has the opportunity to realise their potential and contribute to national development,” she said.
The minister also expressed appreciation to the First Lady for bringing practical support and encouragement to vulnerable groups in the territory.
Earlier, former FCT APC Women Leader, Mrs. Hailmary Aipoh, lauded Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her generosity and commitment to improving the lives of women and struggling entrepreneurs.
Aipoh expressed optimism that the empowerment package would help the beneficiaries grow their businesses and create better opportunities for themselves and their families.
The empowerment programme is part of the First Lady’s ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Initiative to tackle poverty, promote economic inclusion and support small-scale entrepreneurs across the country.
