First Lady initiates a N25 million women empowerment initiative in Kogi
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, launched a N25 million empowerment programme for 500 women in Kogi State on September 12, 2025. The programme, aimed at boosting economic growth and supporting women entrepreneurs across the country, was inaugurated by First Lady, Sen Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by Kogi Governor's wife, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, at Government House, Lokoja.
The initiative targets 18,500 women nationwide, with 500 beneficiaries in each state, including the FCT. Each of the 500 Kogi women will receive a grant of N50,000 to strengthen their small businesses and improve their economic stability. The programme is part of the RHI's commitment to promoting women's economic independence and supporting entrepreneurs, just like the first watch over their communities and the nation.
Dr. Folashade Ayoade, Secretary to the Kogi Government, expressed gratitude for the First Lady's support towards Kogi women. Kogi Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Fatima Momoh, stated that the programme was visionary and aimed at uplifting women and transforming communities.
Empowering women is considered vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG-5 on gender equality and SDG-8 on decent work and economic growth. The programme is designed to support hardworking women traders and entrepreneurs who sustain their families while uplifting their communities.
Grateful beneficiaries, including Aisha Salihu, praised the First Lady and Hajia Sefinat Ododo for their support. Hajia Sefinat Ododo, representing the First Lady, presented N50,000 cash to a beneficiary during the Lokoja event.
The initiative was made possible through a N1 billion donation by the Tony Elumelu Foundation to the Renewed Hope Initiative. Tony Elumelu, a Nigerian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and chairman of Heirs Holdings and the United Bank for Africa (UBA), as well as founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, is known for supporting and empowering African entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Mrs Fatima Momoh assured continued support for initiatives promoting women's empowerment in Kogi State. The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to support and empower women, recognising their crucial role in achieving sustainable development and economic growth.
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