Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, handed over empowerment packages to 500 beneficiaries in Nasarawa State on Friday. The initiative, held at the Government House in Lafia, saw the distribution of essential household and business items, including deep freezers, standing gas cookers with ovens, grinding machines, and generating sets, aimed at bolstering economic independence.
Represented by Nasarawa State First Lady Silifat Abdullahi-Sule, Senator Tinubu emphasized that the gesture aligns with the Renewed Hope Initiative, a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The program seeks to address socio-economic challenges faced by women across the country, offering tangible support to foster self-reliance. During the presentation, Tinubu urged the recipients to make the most of the items for personal growth rather than selling them, highlighting their potential to transform lives and communities.
“The aim of distributing these items is to empower every one of you and improve your socio-economic status,” Tinubu declared. “The Renewed Hope Initiative will continue to support and empower less-privileged women in order for every one of us to have a better society. I, therefore, appeal to all the 500 beneficiaries not to sell the empowerment items so that soon, they will also be able to contribute positively to the state and Nigeria at large.” Her words underscored a vision of collective progress, with the First Lady also praising the women of Nasarawa for their role in maintaining peace and unity among the state’s diverse ethnic groups.
The event was marked by warm commendations from state officials. Nasarawa’s First Lady, represented by Elsie Monde, Special Adviser to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Women Affairs, delivered a welcome address lauding Senator Tinubu’s commitment to women’s empowerment. Monde assured the First Lady of the state’s unwavering support for the Tinubu-led administration, noting that the distributed items would significantly alleviate economic hardships for the beneficiaries. “These tools will go a long way in addressing the challenges faced by our women,” she affirmed, reinforcing the state’s alignment with the national initiative.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Emmanuel Yonah, echoed this sentiment, pledging the ministry’s continued backing of the Renewed Hope Initiative. He emphasized the importance of such programs in driving productivity and uplifting vulnerable populations, positioning the ministry as a key partner in the administration’s efforts to empower women nationwide.
The empowerment packages—ranging from appliances to power generators—represent more than just material aid; they are a lifeline for women striving to overcome economic barriers. For many beneficiaries, these items could mark the beginning of small-scale businesses, from food processing to refrigeration services, fostering financial stability in a region where opportunities can be scarce. The initiative reflects a broader push by the Tinubu administration to prioritize grassroots development, with women at the heart of its socio-economic agenda.
As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere in Lafia was one of hope and determination. The 500 women, now equipped with tools to reshape their futures, stand as a testament to the Renewed Hope Initiative’s promise. With the First Lady’s call to action ringing in their ears, these beneficiaries are poised to contribute not only to their households but to the larger tapestry of Nasarawa State and Nigeria.