First Lady Distributes N65 Million to Support 1,300 Women Traders in the FCT

In a significant gesture of support for local businesses, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed N65 million in grants to 1,300 women petty traders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The event, held in Abuja on Thursday, was a testament to the ongoing commitment of the First Lady’s initiatives to empower women and bolster the local economy.

Each of the 1,300 beneficiaries received N50,000 to help grow and revitalize their businesses. The First Lady, who was represented by Dr. Adeday Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs in the FCT Administration, emphasized that this financial aid is designed to assist women in overcoming various business challenges, expanding their operations, creating more jobs, and contributing more robustly to the national economy.

Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi highlighted that the grant forms part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Employment Programme. She underscored that the initiative is a crucial aspect of the government’s efforts to foster economic growth and improve living standards for families. “We are all aware of the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises, especially our petty traders who form the backbone of our local economy. Despite these challenges, the strength and resilience of our women have not wavered. I salute and celebrate your courage,” she said.

The First Lady explained that the total grant amount of N1.85 billion is being distributed to 31,000 women petty traders across all 36 states and the FCT. This initiative aligns with the core objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which focuses on economic empowerment for both women and youth throughout Nigeria. According to the First Lady, supporting economic reforms championed by President Bola Tinubu is central to this effort.

“We recognize that empowering women economically is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic one,” the First Lady stated. “When women thrive, their families, communities, and by extension, our nation prosper.”

In her role as Mandate Secretary and FCT Coordinator for RHI, Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi reassured FCT women entrepreneurs of continued support from the initiative. She also announced that the United Nations Women’s support had contributed an additional N15 million, increasing the total grant amount from N50 million to N65 million and expanding the number of beneficiaries from 1,000 to 1,300.

Earlier in the event, the Minister of State for the FCT, represented by Hajiya Majidda Musa, the FCT Coordinator of the Social Investment Programme, praised the First Lady for her dedication to improving the lives of Nigerian women. The minister expressed hope that the grant would provide much-needed support to women petty traders, aiding in business expansion and improving livelihoods. “By investing in women’s growth, the government is creating opportunities for a brighter future,” she remarked.

Beneficiaries of the grant expressed their gratitude and optimism about the impact of the support. Mrs. Mamuna Erondi, who sells fish and groundnut cakes, thanked the First Lady, noting that the grant would significantly increase her business capital. Another beneficiary, Mrs. Veronica Olajide, who specializes in selling women’s shoes, described the N50,000 grant as life-changing, stating that it would enable her to expand her business further.

This initiative is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to supporting small-scale entrepreneurs and strengthening the local economy by empowering women. Through such targeted interventions, the Renewed Hope Initiative continues to make meaningful strides in fostering economic development and enhancing the livelihoods of women across Nigeria.