The First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Edo State as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking at the launch held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, the First Lady announced that 250 persons living with disabilities in each state and the Federal Capital Territory have received business recapitalisation grants of ₦200,000 each to strengthen their small-scale enterprises.
Represented by Mrs. Edesili Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Edo State, Senator Tinubu said the initiative was created to enhance the economic resilience of Nigerians with disabilities and ensure their full integration into national development.
She explained that ₦50 million was allocated to each state and the FCT, bringing the total number of empowered beneficiaries nationwide to 9,500 persons. She further revealed that the empowerment fund is valued at ₦1.9 billion and will now be held every year on December 3rd to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“Let it be a seed that grows into something greater a business that supports you and your family,” she urged beneficiaries.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to disability inclusion, noting that Edo has established by law a government agency dedicated to promoting the welfare and rights of persons living with disabilities.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Melody Omosah, Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), praised the First Lady for her compassionate leadership and continuous support for disability inclusion in Nigeria.
The event climaxed with the symbolic presentation of empowerment grants to selected beneficiaries.
