Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has flagged off the presentation of empowerment items to 500 women in each state of the Southeast zone.
Mrs. Tinubu noted that the programme was first launched in Abuja for the North-Central Zone on February 21, 2025, followed by the South-South Zone on April 25, 2026, and the Southwest Zone on August 23, 2025.
The flag-off ceremony, held simultaneously in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, marks the rollout of the programme in the Southeast.
Speaking at the event in Umuahia on Wednesday, Senator Tinubu said the initiative was made possible through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, OSSAP-SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
According to her, by the end of the nationwide rollout of the initiative, 18,500 women would have been empowered across the country, with 500 beneficiaries selected from each state and the Federal Capital Territory.
In the Southeast, 500 pre-selected women in each state received empowerment items, including deep chest freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines to support them in starting new businesses or expanding existing ones.
The First Lady said the programme recognises the critical role women play in nation building and aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises inclusivity, economic growth, and sustainable development, particularly the economic empowerment of women.
Senator Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to use the items judiciously and thanked Governor Alex Otti and his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, for their support in implementing the Renewed Hope Initiative programmes in the state.
Delivering the welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the initiative has now reached 12,000 women across three geopolitical zones.
She recalled that the programme commenced in February 2025 in Abuja with the North-Central Zone, empowering 3,500 women across six states and the FCT.
It then moved to the South-South Zone with 3,000 women, and the Southwest Zone with another 3,000 women.
“Across the first three geopolitical zones alone, 9,500 women have been reached under the core programme, as we steadily advance towards our target of empowering 18,500 vulnerable women across the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT,” she stated.
In the Southeast, 500 pre-selected women in each state are receiving empowerment items.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire noted that beneficiaries were deliberately drawn from vulnerable segments of society, including wives of fallen heroes, widows, indigent women, and other categories of vulnerable women who have the determination to work but lack productive assets.
“For us at OSSAP-SDGs, this is the essence of the principle of Leaving No One Behind. Our objective is not merely to distribute equipment, but to provide productive assets that can unlock potential, foster economic independence and create opportunities for women to thrive,” she said.
The SSA-SDGs said the intervention speaks directly to SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
She commended the growing partnership with state governments, noting that some governors have complemented the federal effort by providing additional support for more women.
“When women have access to productive opportunities, the benefits multiply. Household incomes improve, children are better supported, local businesses expand, communities become more resilient and the economy grows from the grassroots,” she added.
Orelope-Adefulire urged beneficiaries to see the items as “tools of opportunity and not gifts to be disposed of.”
“Put them to productive use. Build with them. Grow your businesses with them. Let them generate income, create value and improve the quality of life of your families,” she charged.
She also expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her leadership through the Renewed Hope Initiative, and to state governments, partners and stakeholders for supporting the rollout.
“Our destination remains clear: a Nigeria where poverty and vulnerability do not determine a woman’s future; where women have the tools to become economically independent; and where no woman is left behind,” she concluded.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI empowerment programme, describing it as a laudable intervention focused on improving the lives and livelihoods of women, youths, families and vulnerable members of society.
Dr. Aghukwa expressed appreciation to the wife of the President for remembering Abia State and making women a central part of the national empowerment vision.
She also singled out the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, for her commitment and dedication in bringing the impactful programme to the people of Abia.
“We are particularly grateful to our dear First Lady of Abia State, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti, for her commitment and dedication in bringing this impactful programme down to our people in Abia State. Ma, your efforts demonstrate your passion for empowering our women and ensuring that the benefits of government programmes reach those at the grassroots,” Dr. Aghukwa said.
Items distributed include gas cookers with ovens, generators, deep freezers, and grinding machines to enable beneficiaries to establish new businesses, strengthen existing enterprises, and earn sustainable incomes.
Our Correspondent reports that the event was attended by women leaders, government officials, and beneficiaries from across the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.
