..Disburses over N1.8Billion to 37,000 women nationwide
Wife of Nigeria’s President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Thursday, flagged-off the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment programme for 1,000 women petty traders in Enugu State, saying
the gesture is to help them overcome some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs among others.
The programme which is the brainchild of her pet project was aimed at driving economic growth and providing better life for families, especially women across the country.
Pix- Wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah
Flagging -off the program at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of Enugu state Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah said the flags-off was done simultaneously across the country and a total of N1,850,000,000.00(One billion, eight hundred and fifty million naira) would be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders nationwide. That is , selected 1,000 women Petty traders in Enugu and 36,000 other female petty traders in other states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Pix- Mrs Mbah and some of the beneficiaries.
She said Renewed Hope Initiative was aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders who form the backbone of the local economies.
The First Lady added that the N50,000 business recapitalization grant would go a long way in strengthening the beneficiaries’ businesses for better profits.
She noted that these challenges had not deterred the strength of the women in their avowed commitment to contribute to the economy at the grassroots.
“Through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of N50,000 each to recapitalize and grow their businesses.
“The grants provided today are to assist our women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute more robustly to our economy,” she said.
The First Lady affirmed that economic empowerment remained a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative and that the programme had continued to support the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
In her speech, the wife of Enugu state Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah described the economic empowerment program of the Renewed Hope Initiative which has it’s motto, “Towards a better life for families” as not just a financial support, but a symbol of hope designed to uplift those who are often overlooked to ensure that no one is left behind.
She commended the Nigeria’s First lady for the program and urged the beneficiaries, to utilize the grant judiciously, noting that the grant is a financial boost and opportunity to expand their businesses and improve their livelihood.
There were talks on health and economic issues by Resource persons.
In his presentation, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Yomi Jaiye spoke on healthy feeding. He urged women to always eat good food that will give them good nutrition, not junks. He also urged them to always exercise to keep fit.
Pix- SPA to the Gov on health , Dr Yomi Jaye
Pix- Dr. Jaiye and his medical team
There was a demonstration on , “Quick fix to sudden collapse”. He said when one collapsed suddenly, the first thing to do is to Call for help . Do the right thing, kneel down beside the person and call his name or tap his chest. Hold his wrist, , pump the chest continuously. The place should not be crowded . There is need to give enough space for the person to receive fresh air. Keep pumping his chest until he is revived. Take the person to hospital.
Pix- Dr Uzoamaka Okenwa-Uzoechina
On her part, a Special Assistant to the Wife of the Governor, Dr Uzoamaka Okenwa- Uzoechina , spoke on open defecation. She said open defecation is unhealthy and a source of contracting many diseases. She urged people to put an end to that , noting that good health is better than riches.
Pix- Rachel Edeh
Earlier, another Resource person, Rachel Obiageli Edeh, Founder of God’s Women at Work, spoke on the topic, “Apostle in the Market place”. She urged women to be accommodating, , exhibit positive attitude in the market , the same 3 they put up in ß church. She also urged women to be cheerful, especially when are attending to customers. Edeh also urged them to collaborate with themselves and be thankful to God whether they made sales or not.
Highlight of the event was the disbursement of of of N50,000 .00 to each of the Beneficiaries.The cheque was presented by Governor ‘s wife .
Author: Maureen Ikpeama