As the current economic challenge in Nigeria bites harder, efforts to get it cushioned came to the fore as not fewer than 1,000 women petty traders in Osun State received the sum of ₦50,000 grants each ,courtesy of the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme of wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
At the disbursement programme held at Local Government Service Commission Hall, Osogbo, Mrs Tinubu noted that her foundation is disbursing a sum of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N1,850,0000,000.00) grant to 37,000 women petty traders across the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to support women businesses for optimum growth.
Mrs Tinubu who was represented by the Osun State First Lady, Mrs Titilola Adeleke, noted that, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, she is providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of N50,000 each to recapitalize and grow their businesses as part of her continued commitment to drive economic growth towards a better life for families.
She stressed further that she is aware of the challenges militating against Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who formed the backbone of the country’s local economies, stressing that, they have not allowed themselves to be deterred by the challenges.
She explained that the grant is to assist them in overcoming their challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute robustly to the growth of the nation’s economy.
According to her, “economic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative, and we have consistently delivered on this promise for both women and youth across the six (6) geopolitical zones to support the economic reforms of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
” We recognize that empowering women economically, is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and nation prosper.
“To the 1000 women petty traders who are the beneficiaries of this programme, I say, you have shown incredible resilience in overcoming countless challenges to build your businesses.
” Today, we celebrate your hard work and determination.”
“Let us all continue to work together to build a Nigeria where every woman has the opportunity to succeed, where every small business can grow and contribute to our nation’s prosperity”, Mrs Tinubu said.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Market Affairs, Mrs Grace Omotosho, who was represented by Mrs Obiremi and Iyaloja General of Osun State, Chief (Mrs)Oyebode Mary, commended the First Lady, Mrs Titilola Adeleke for playing a motherly role in the lives of all women in the state.
The duo charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grants in expanding their businesses just as they were urged to cooperate with the present administration to achieve a resounding success.
By:Aminat Adebare