'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – In a significant gesture aimed at uplifting women in Kogi State, Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women from the 21 local government areas of the state. The distribution of empowerment items took place at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja, with the First Lady emphasizing the importance of supporting women as central to the nation's economic growth and prosperity.
Senator Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Kogi State Governor and state coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, highlighted that the empowerment initiative is part of the broader goals of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for an inclusive, sustainable, and economically robust Nigeria.
During the ceremony, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo stated that the initiative underscores the critical role women play in nation-building, particularly in driving economic development. "The empowerment of women is crucial for the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda, as it aligns with our priority to foster economic growth, sustainability, and gender equality," she said.
Mrs. Tinubu also noted that the empowerment program is in line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on inclusivity and economic growth, especially for women. She further stated that 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones would benefit from the program, starting with states in the North Central zone, where Kogi is located.
"Women empowerment is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 5 and 8, which focus on gender equality and economic growth," she added.
The program, led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative, provided the 500 women in Kogi State with essential business tools aimed at boosting their entrepreneurial ventures. The items distributed included deep-chest freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines—all designed to support women in various business sectors and help expand their operations.
Mrs. Tinubu encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize the items effectively to become self-reliant and contribute to the nation’s economic development. She urged the women to see the tools as an opportunity to not only grow their businesses but also to create jobs and improve their communities.
"This empowerment is not just about receiving goods; it's about creating opportunities for women to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's economy," the First Lady concluded.
The event was a clear demonstration of the First Lady's commitment to uplifting women and fostering a more inclusive economy, aligning with both national development goals and the priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The impact of this initiative is expected to extend beyond the individual recipients, benefiting their families and communities as they leverage these resources to drive economic growth.
