Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has announced a major economic empowerment initiative for persons living with disabilities, disbursing grants worth N1.9 billion to 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide.
The announcement was made in Abuja on Wednesday during the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities when grants, delivered through the Renewed Hope Initiative, provides each beneficiary with N200,000 to revive or expand their small businesses.
In a special extension of support, the First Lady also awarded similar grants to 250 disabled military and police veterans to bolster their economic independence after years of service to the nation.
Senator Tinubu emphasised that the programme forms a key pillar of the RHI Social Investment Programme, which aligns closely with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She stressed that a country progresses more effectively when every citizen—regardless of ability—is equipped to contribute productively.
Quoting Helen Keller, she reminded the audience that collective action strengthens national development.
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The First Lady highlighted that each of the 36 states, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, DEPOWA, has also been allocated N50 million to distribute within their communities. This brings the total number of beneficiaries to 9,500 across the federation.
Reflecting on RHI’s broader work, she stated that more than 100,000 women petty traders, small business owners, and persons with disabilities have received financial support in the last two years, underscoring the administration’s focus on economic upliftment.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Mernan Oluyede, president of DEPOWA and wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, praised the First Lady’s compassion for vulnerable Nigerians.
She cited United Nations data showing that 16 percent of the global population—1.3 billion people—live with disabilities, many facing barriers in healthcare, education, employment, and social inclusion.
Oluyede said the First Lady’s nationwide compassion sends a clear message of dignity and equal opportunity.
She noted that the RHI’s efforts in health, agriculture, education and social investment continue to transform the lives of families across the military and police communities. She reaffirmed DEPOWA’s commitment to supporting these initiatives.
NAN reports that the theme for the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” reflecting ongoing global advocacy for inclusive development.
Some beneficiaries shared their gratitude. Retired Master Warrant Officer Patrick Ocheje said the programme restored hope among retired personnel.
Inspector Adamu Yahaya, who has been ill for a decade, described the support as heart-lifting.
Another retired officer, ASP Izge Margimari, said he had never experienced such kindness in his years of service.
