Abuja: Hajiya Fatima Bago, wife of the Niger Governor and state Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has disbursed a N25 million Economic Empowerment grant to 500 women in the state. The initiative aims to boost entrepreneurship and economic independence among women.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, launched the programme through her pet project, Renewed Hope Initiative, in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation. The programme is designed to support 18,500 women entrepreneurs nationwide, including those in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with each receiving N50,000.
Hajiya Fatima Bago emphasized the importance of utilizing the grants effectively. She encouraged the beneficiaries to invest in entrepreneurship if they do not already have businesses, viewing the grant as a seed of trust to be nurtured and grown.
The governor’s wife praised the collaboration between RHI and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, highlighting it as an example of successful public-private partnership. She also expressed gratitude to her husband, Gov. Umaru Bago, for his support in initiatives benefiting women and children, emphasizing his commitment to inclusive development.
Mrs. Mary Noel-Berje, Special Adviser to the Niger Governor on Women and Affirmative Action, urged the beneficiaries to enhance their businesses and become self-reliant. Mrs. Afiniki Dauda, Deputy Speaker of the Niger House of Assembly, assured that she would monitor the grant’s usage, especially in zone B.
Beneficiaries, including Alheri Yafimugunta and Aisha Yawa, expressed their gratitude to the First Lady and the governor’s wife, pledging to use the funds to improve their businesses.