By Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi.
Wife of Nigeria,s president and First Lady Senator 0luremi Tinubu on Thursday empowered 1000 petty traders through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Programme in Benue State with N50, 000 each.
Performing the ceremony in Makurdi, Mrs Tinubu said she was aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of the local economy.
No fewer than 1000 women are to benefit from each of the 36 states and the FCT were receiving N50, 0000 grant from the RHI economic empowerment programme simultaneously.
Represented by the Benue Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Anna Itodo, Mrs Tinubu said the entire programme would cost over N1. 8bn.
She said the grants provided was to assist women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute more robustly to the economy.
“We are all aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of our local economies.
“These challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your courage and resilience that keep you going, to put food on the table for your families.
“Today, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per State with a grant of N50,000 each to recapitalize and grow their businesses.
“A total of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N1,850,0000,000.00) will be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders across the nation.”she said
She said economic empowerment remained a core objective of the RHI and have consistently delivered on this promise for both women and youth across the six geopolitical zones to support the economic reforms of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“To the 1000 women petty traders who are the beneficiaries of this programme, I say, “You are the heart of our local economies, the foundation of our communities, and the unsung heroes of our nation”.
“You have shown incredible resilience in overcoming countless challenges to build your businesses. Today, we celebrate your hard work and determination.
“Let us all continue to work together to build a Nigeria where every woman has the opportunity to succeed, where every small business can grow and contribute to our nation’s prosperity.” she said
In his speech, Gov Hyacinth Alia commended the Benue women for voting him into office and their continuous support to his administration.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Sam Ode, Gov Alia commended the Firstlady for her commitment to the economic empowerment, particularly for women and the most vulnerable in the society has brought about transformative change across our nation.
He said through the RHI, the Firstlady has offered a lifeline to 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders, each of whom would receive a grant of N50,000 to recapitalize and grow their businesses.
“This grant is not just a financial contribution; it is a beacon of hope, a seed of prosperity that will help our women overcome challenges, expand their businesses, create jobs and contribute more robustly to our local economy.
“The impact of this initiative cannot be overstated. Our women petty traders form the backbone of our local economies. Despite facing numerous challenges, they have shown remarkable strength, resilience and determination.” he said
Gov Alia said the grant would enable the women to surmount some of the challenges they faced, thereby enhancing their capacity to thrive in the marketplace.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Mrs Scholastica Ben-Sor, State Coordinator, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) commended the Firstlady for always remembering and supporting the Benue women.
Mrs Ben-Sor who is also Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs said Benue women have benefited from several empowerment schemes from the Firstlady through her pet project RHI.
She said through the support of the Firstlady, 250 elderly people received N100, 000 each, 20 women received N500, 000 through her agriculture empowerment scheme.
She urged the women to make judicious use of the money and continue to support the President and Gov Alia to succeed.
“The elderly support scheme, where 250 elderly indigenes received N100,000 each is a noble gesture that has brought comfort and relief to our senior citizens.
“The grant of N500,000 each to 20 female agricultural farmers is a significant boost to our agricultural sector, ensuring that these women can continue to contribute to food security in Benue State and beyond.” she said