No fewer than 500 women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday received a ₦25 million re-capitalisation grant from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
According to the correspondent, the grant was supported by the Tony Elumelu Foundation under the Women Economic Empowerment Programme.
The RHI Coordinator in the FCT, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, speaking during the cheque presentation in Abuja, said 18,500 women nationwide, 500 from each of the 36 states and the FCT, would benefit from the initiative.
Benjamins-Laniyi, who also serves as the pioneer Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, commended the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its ₦1 billion donation to the programme.
She explained that each of the 18,500 beneficiaries would receive ₦50,000 to strengthen and recapitalise their businesses.
“Today, I have the privilege of presenting ₦50,000 each to some of the pre-selected 500 beneficiaries here in the FCT, amounting to ₦25 million. This support is a testament to the power of collaboration and generosity, and I hope it inspires others across our nation to join in uplifting women entrepreneurs,” she said.
Benjamins-Laniyi noted that the initiative aimed to uplift women traders and small-scale business owners across the country.
“For those who rise each day with determination to provide for their families, educate their children, and strengthen their communities, we are taking concrete steps to support and expand your efforts. What we are offering is not a loan, but a grant seed of renewed hope designed to help you re-capitalise and expand your existing businesses,” she added.
She further reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike and Minister of State Dr Mariya Mahmoud, to the success of the RHI programmes in the territory.
(NAN)