Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday launched a nationwide empowerment programme for 37,000 women petty traders geared towards economic empowerment and poverty alleviation.

The programme was unveiled simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

It provides grants of ₦50,000 each to 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders in each state.

The total disbursement amounts to ₦1.85 billion, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for Nigerian families.

Speaking at the inauguration of the scheme on in Kaduna Tinubu emphasized that the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme was aimed at supporting 37,000 women petty traders across the nation.

Speaking on behalf of the first lady, Hajiya Laila Bara’u, wife of the Deputy Senate President, emphasised the crucial role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the resilience of women entrepreneurs in driving local economies.

“We are all aware of the challenges faced by SMEs, especially petty traders who form the backbone of our local economies.

“These challenges have not deterred the strength of our women,” she added.

Tinubu reiterated that economic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative, aligning with the broader economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“Empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one.

“When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and nation prosper,” she added.

The first lady also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the RHI State Coordinators, First Ladies of various states, and all the stakeholders involved in making the programme a reality, commending their efforts in identifying and supporting the traders

In his goodwill message, Gov. Uba Sani, represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Kila, lauded the initiative as a significant step towards uplifting women and enhancing their dignity.

“This capitalisation grant for 1,000 women petty traders in Kaduna State is a step in the right direction.

“Today, we are sowing seeds for the economic empowerment of our women.

“When you empower a woman, you empower a family, community, state, and nation.”

Sani explained the state’s ongoing efforts to support women entrepreneurs through soft loans and emphasised the importance of inclusion in technology for economic progress.

“Our administration recognises the strategic role of ICT in driving economic growth and improving lives.

“Through the state’s partnership with Google Africa for the ArewaTech4Ladies Skills Development Project, we have empowered 3,500 women and girls with skills in data science, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurial applications of digital technologies.”

In her remarks, Hajiya Hafsat Sani, wife of the governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Shizzer Bada, praised the RHI for its comprehensive approach to addressing critical societal needs.

“The Renewed Hope Initiative has brought hope to women and their families,” she said

According to her, the strategic initiative, with its targeted approach of creating jobs, improving healthcare, advancing agriculture, and alleviating poverty, is exactly what the country needs at this moment

She emphasised the transformative impact of the grants, stating that they will help recapitalise existing businesses, strengthen and expand women’s enterprises, and ultimately change lives for the better.

“Women petty traders with no hope of getting support have been given hope today.

”Changing the lives of women means changing families and the nation,” Sani said.