First Lady Flags Off Women Empowerment Programme for North Central Zone

21st February 2025

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has officially launched the Women Empowerment Programme for the North Central Zone at a grand ceremony held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, OSSAP-SDGs, in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), aims to empower 500 women per state across the country, equipping them with essential business tools to enhance their economic independence and sustainable livelihoods. 

It marked another milestone in Nigeria’s drive for inclusive development. Delivering her keynote address, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to advancing Nigerian women's economic status, stating that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

She opined that empowering women is at the heart of national development and the Renewed Hope Initiative is determined to equip women with the tools and skills they need to succeed, ensuring that they become active contributors to the economy.

“This empowerment will benefit 18,500 women across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Today, the North Central Zone becomes the first beneficiary, and by the grace of God, the South-South Zone will be next,” she announced.

The empowerment items distributed to beneficiaries include deep-chest freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines.

According to Senator Tinubu, these tools will provide recipients with the necessary resources to start or expand their businesses.

“Recognising the critical role women play in nation-building, this initiative supports their efforts towards financial independence, job creation, and national development,” the First Lady added.

Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, OFR, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), commended the First Lady for her unwavering support for women’s empowerment. “Today’s programme is not just about distributing items; it is about unlocking potential, fostering economic independence, and creating opportunities for women to thrive,” she remarked.

 Princess Orelope-Adefulire further emphasised the initiative’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). She noted that by equipping women with these tools, and the initiative is strengthening their capacity to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to national development.

 “This initiative is not just about distributing items; it is about unlocking potential, fostering economic independence, and creating opportunities for women to thrive. Women’s economic empowerment is a key driver of sustainable development, and we must continue to invest in their growth,” she stated.

Princess Orelope-Adefulire further acknowledged the efforts of the First Lady in championing women’s empowerment through the Renewed Hope Initiative, commending her leadership and unwavering dedication. In their goodwill messages, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim and the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality through strategic policies and initiatives.

They maintained that women form the backbone of our economy and by empowering them the effort is ensuring a more prosperous future for the nation.

Also speaking, the FCT Coordinator of Renewed Hope Initiative and Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi stated that the empowerment programme, is a strategic investment in the future of the women.

Elated, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing the act as life-changing initiative. They added that the items they have received will enable them expand their businesses and provide better for their families. The event featured a symbolic presentation of empowerment items.

 As the programme continues across Nigeria, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals remains committed to ensuring that women are equipped with the necessary skills and tools to drive economic growth and sustainable development in the country empowerment initiative underscores the government’s resolve to foster inclusivity, economic growth, and social transformation through targeted empowerment interventions, reinforcing the vision of creating a self-sufficient and economically resilient female workforce