The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a national empowerment program spearheaded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended its support to 500 women across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State.
At a colourful event held at the Presidential Lodge in Ibara, Abeokuta, empowerment items such as chest freezers, gas cookers, ovens, generators, and grinding machines were presented to selected women to help them grow or start their small businesses. The program also included cash grants to further support their entrepreneurial efforts.
Speaking through her representative, the wife of Ogun State Governor and RHI State Coordinator, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, the First Lady highlighted the importance of women’s economic inclusion. She said that no woman should be left behind in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development.
“Empowering women is a direct way to empower communities. When women thrive, families thrive, and the economy becomes stronger. The Renewed Hope Initiative is focused on ensuring that women, no matter their location, are given the tools and opportunities they need to succeed,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu also highlighted the growing reach of the initiative since its inception. “So far, the Renewed Hope Initiative has directly impacted over 100,000 women and families across the country, and the number continues to grow,” she added.
She explained that RHI is not just focused on business empowerment but also plays a key role in supporting agriculture. Through the distribution of seedlings, farm inputs, and training for women in rural areas, the initiative aims to increase food production and reduce poverty levels.
The empowerment program in Ogun was supported by the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who provided financial backing to ensure the sustainability of the intervention. The First Lady acknowledged his commitment to the welfare of women in the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, said the initiative would go a long way in helping women become self-reliant. According to her, when women have access to financial tools and business support, they are better positioned to care for their families and contribute meaningfully to society.
“The RHI is not just giving out items; it is restoring dignity, building confidence, and giving women the push they need to be financially independent,” she said.
The event drew beneficiaries from across the 20 local government areas of the state. Many of them, mostly small-scale traders, artisans, and widows, expressed joy and gratitude for being selected. For many, the support came at a time when they were struggling to keep their businesses afloat due to rising costs and limited access to capital.
“I have been selling frozen food for three years, but I couldn’t afford a freezer of my own. Today, I’m going home with one, and this will change everything for me,” said Mrs Abosede Akinyemi, one of the beneficiaries from Ijebu North.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Taiwo Alabi from Abeokuta South, received a gas oven and generator. “I bake small snacks for school children, but I was using a kerosene stove. This oven and generator will make my work faster and cleaner,” she said.
The Renewed Hope Initiative is one of the key social program introduced by Senator Oluremi Tinubu since the beginning of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2023. It aims to empower women, youths, and vulnerable Nigerians by providing tools, skills, and access to funding.
In addition to economic empowerment, RHI also supports health and education initiatives, especially for women and children in underserved communities.
As Nigeria faces increasing economic challenges, programs like RHI have been seen as important steps towards cushioning the effect of hardship on families and giving grassroots women a chance to lift themselves out of poverty.
