PwDs Day: RHI supports 250 businesses with N50m grants in Delta

…N50m to DEPOWA

Two hundred and fifty persons with various forms of disabilities have benefited from the N50 million business recapitalisation grants under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Empowerment Programme, launched by Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the president

Under the programme, each of the 250 PwDs who are business operators got N200,000 as a business recapitalisation grant.

The grants were aimed at strengthening existing small businesses and enhancing financial independence, even as the nationwide intervention programme supports vulnerable citizens.

The RHI Economic Empowerment Programme, which was unveiled in commemoration of this year’s International Day of PwDs, was implemented simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA)

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In her national address at the launching, Remi Tinubu, who is the founder of RHI, stated: “Today, the RHI will provide the sum of N200,000 Business Recapitalisation Grants to 250 persons with disabilities in each state and the FCT to support small business owners to recapitalise their existing businesses and strengthen their means of livelihood.

“Also, each state of the federation, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) will each receive N50 million to be distributed to the beneficiaries in their domain. In total, 9,500 persons with disabilities will benefit from this programme, amounting to N1.9 billion “, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no one was left behind”, she disclosed.

She noted that Nigeria becomes stronger when every citizen is empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development, adding that the empowerment scheme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth and social investment.

Tobore Oborevwori, wife of the Delta State Governor and founder of You Matter Charity Foundation, who represented the president’s wife in Asaba, led the distribution of the empowerment grants to beneficiaries drawn from across Delta State.

Delivering her address in Asaba, Oborevwori commended Remi Tinubu’s compassion and dedication to uplifting vulnerable groups.

She described persons with disabilities as individuals “full of gifts and potential,” urging society to show greater love, understanding, and inclusiveness. She encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity, noting that the support is intended to bring relief and enhance their livelihoods.

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The RHI Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons With Disabilities has also been institutionalised as an annual initiative, to be celebrated every December 3rd in line with the United Nations’ International Day of Persons With Disabilities.

As part of the Delta State rollout, Tobore Oborevwori, a deaconess, presented a wheelchair to one of the beneficiaries, a gesture warmly received by attendees.

Daniel Nwutu, an elated beneficiary, expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady for launching the programme for persons in his category.

Nwutu, who is the recipient of the wheelchair, said that the grant and mobility aid would significantly improve his business, independence, and quality of life. Others described the initiative as a transformative opportunity that brings hope, dignity, and encouragement to persons with disabilities across the state and Nigeria.