From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Nigeria First Lady, OluremiTinubu, has empowered 500 women traders in Abia State, with each receiving N50,000 to help in building their businesses.
This was even as Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, wife of Abia State Governor, gave financial support to women petty traders in some markets in Abia.
Speaking through the wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the wife of the President said the economic empowerment programme which was sponsored by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, was aimed at supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of women traders and small-scale business owners.
The wife of the President said the empowerment programme would assist the women in providing for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities.
“Let me emphasize that this is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalize your existing businesses. It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation.
“I thank the Tony Elumelu Foundation, who donated N1b to the Renewed Hope Initiative, to directly support 18,500 women across the Nation. Five hundred women from each of the 36 states and the FCT will be receiving N50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalize their existing small businesses” Mrs. Tinubu announced.
She lauded Governor Otti and wife for their support in executing all the programmes of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
In the same vein, Mrs Otti has extended financial support to women petty traders at Ibeji and Eketa markets in Umuahia South and Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Areas. The largesse to the market women was part of activities marking this year’s International Day of Charity,
Giving out the cash, Mrs. Otti stated that she personality visited the markets to bring joy and relief to those who rely on daily sales for survival.
