In a powerful display of grassroots empowerment, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals and the Renewed Hope Initiative, led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, provided economic support to 500 women across Rivers State.
The empowerment programme, which took place on Friday in Port Harcourt, is part of a national initiative to uplift vulnerable women and foster sustainable development. Beneficiaries from all 23 Local Government Areas of the state received vital business equipment — including deep freezers, gas cookers with ovens, industrial grinding machines, and generators — to strengthen their small-scale ventures.
According to Mr. Desmond Utomwen, Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communication for OSSAP-SDGs, the initiative is directly aligned with Nigeria’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Dr. Theresa Ibas, representing the First Lady at the event, highlighted the long-term impact of the gesture. “Today, we are planting seeds of economic revival. These items are stepping stones toward financial independence and a better future,” she said.
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First Lady Tinubu, in a message delivered at the event, emphasized the national significance of the programme: “Empowering women is central to achieving the SDGs. We are not just giving tools; we are unlocking potential.”
Several recipients expressed deep gratitude. Tina Pepple called the support “a miracle that will change my life,” while other women like Blessing Dickson and Salome Ohochukwu praised the First Lady for her compassion and commitment.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, stated that empowering 500 women per state and the FCT will “unlock potential, foster economic independence, and contribute to inclusive national development.”
She also commended OSSAP-SDGs for adhering to global best practices and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive growth through strategic empowerment initiatives.
