By; Ibrahim Danmasani
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme has commenced in Kaduna State with the disbursement of recapitalization grants to petty traders.
The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, launched the programme, revealing that a total of fifty million Naira will be distributed to petty traders across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Lailah Jibrin Barau, announced that a total of N1,85 billion naira would be distributed to 37,000 women petty traders across Nigeria.
The initiative aims to provide much-needed support to small and medium enterprises, which are the backbone of the local economy.
“This programme will take place simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” Hajiya Barau said, emphasizing the nationwide scope of the initiative.
She highlighted that the Renewed Hope Initiative recognizes the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises, particularly petty traders, and is committed to alleviating these challenges.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu affirmed that economic empowerment is a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative, and the programme aligns with the broader economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“The empowerment of petty traders is crucial for boosting the local economy and fostering sustainable growth,” she said.
Speaking at the event, the wife of Kaduna State Governor, Hajiya Hafisat Uba Sani, lauded the initiative as a significant step towards empowering women entrepreneurs and enhancing their economic resilience.
“This programme is a vital stride in supporting women in business, enabling them to expand their enterprises and improve their livelihoods,” she noted.
Zulihat Buba, the technical assistant to the wife of the Kaduna State Governor, expressed optimism about the impact of the grants. She stated that the funds would provide critical support to women petty traders, allowing them to grow their businesses and contribute to reducing unemployment in their communities.
“By investing in women’s growth, the government is creating opportunities for a brighter future,” she said, commending the First Lady and her team for their dedication.
Hajiya Hafisat Uba Sani also called on the coordinating team to ensure that all pre-screened women received their grants and that those who were not screened before the exercise should also receive support.
She urged the beneficiaries to use the funds effectively to enhance their businesses, stressing that the initiative would help reduce unemployment and boost local economies.
Some beneficiaries of the programme expressed their gratitude, promising to use the funds for their intended purpose.
They thanked Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Hajiya Hafisat Uba Sani, and the organizers for empowering their businesses and supporting their growth.
The launch of the recapitalization grants in Kaduna State marks a significant milestone in the Renewed Hope Initiative’s mission to promote economic empowerment and uplift the nation’s petty traders.
With the rollout across the country, the programme aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of women, supporting their entrepreneurial endeavors and fostering economic development.
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