No fewer than 1,000 petty traders across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) received financial support and business tools on Saturday under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a flagship intervention championed by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to boost economic inclusion and reduce poverty.
The empowerment programme, held at Karon Majigi in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), drew beneficiaries from different parts of the FCT and highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen small businesses and support vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, praised the First Lady for what she described as her unwavering commitment to social inclusion, economic empowerment and humanitarian service.
Mahmoud said the initiative reflects the core objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to expand opportunities for vulnerable groups, women, persons with disabilities and small-scale entrepreneurs.
According to her, the empowerment scheme goes beyond charity and represents a strategic investment in human capital development and sustainable economic growth.
She noted that the intervention would not only improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries but also stimulate grassroots economic activities across communities within the nation’s capital.
“The programme demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable citizens are not left behind in the nation’s development process,” Mahmoud said.
The minister commended the First Lady’s leadership and compassion, noting that her interventions continue to provide hope, dignity and economic opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.
She also reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to policies that promote accessibility, inclusion and equal opportunities for all residents, particularly persons living with disabilities.
Mahmoud stressed that the administration would continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders to build a society where every citizen, regardless of physical condition or social status, can contribute meaningfully to national development.
She urged beneficiaries to utilize the support judiciously, expand their businesses and become agents of economic transformation in their communities.
On her part, former FCT APC Women Leader, Mrs. Hailmary Aipoh, applauded Senator Oluremi Tinubu for consistently championing programmes targeted at improving the welfare of women, families and vulnerable groups.
Aipoh expressed optimism that the support would help beneficiaries strengthen and grow their businesses amid prevailing economic challenges.
The empowerment exercise forms part of a broader national campaign under the Renewed Hope Initiative aimed at promoting financial inclusion, reducing poverty and creating sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable citizens across Nigeria.
For many of the beneficiaries, the intervention represents not just financial assistance but a renewed opportunity to rebuild and expand their businesses in an increasingly competitive economic environment.