1000 Benue women benefit from First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Over 1000 Benue women were on Thursday empowered with a grant of N50,000 by Nigeria’s First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubi under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Programme.
Performing the ceremony in Makurdi, Mrs Tinubu said she is aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of the local economy.
The First Lady who was represented by the Benue Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Anna Itodo, disclosed that the entire programme would cost over N1.8 blllion.
She said the grants provided is to assist women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute more robustly to the economy.
“We are all aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of our local economies.
“These challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your courage and resilience that keep you going, to put food on the table for your families.
“Today, 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.”