Abuja: The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has disbursed N50 million to 250 persons with disabilities to support their small businesses. Tinubu made this announcement during the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme, marking the 2025 World Disability Day in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the 2025 celebration was themed ‘Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress’. Tinubu stated that the programme aims to provide financial support to persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and disabled military and police veterans. Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Tinubu emphasized that the gesture reflects RHI’s commitment to economic inclusion. The empowerment initiative is designed to strengthen livelihoods and promote self-reliance among disability communities. Beneficiaries received N200,000 each to expand existing businesses and build financial stability, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s drive for shared prosperity and protection of vulnerable groups.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, highlighted that the event reaffirms the nation’s duty to ensure equal opportunities for all residents. Represented by Hajiya Maijidda Adamu-Kuku, Special Assistant on Social Investment Programme, Mahmoud stated that the FCTA is committed to integrating PWDs into governance, education, healthcare, and economic development.
Earlier, the RHI FCT Coordinator, Dr. Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, noted that the event recognized 500 PWDs across the FCT’s communities and area councils. As the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Benjamin-Laniyi remarked that the celebration highlights the resilience of persons with disabilities and the expanding impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative. The FCT is implementing programs that address stigma and strengthen protection under the Violence Against Persons with Disabilities framework.
Additionally, Dr. Joanne Anagwu, an education specialist, emphasized that inclusion should be viewed as justice rather than charity. She pointed out that disability justice requires equal access to healthcare, education, housing, employment, and full community participation for all PWDs.