By Nkechi Eze
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, on Wednesday launched the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event, held at the Alero Azazi Event Centre, Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, formed part of a nationwide rollout simultaneously conducted across the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
Addressing a distinguished audience, Senator Tinubu said the programme represented the administration’s practical commitment to building an inclusive society where no Nigerian is left behind. “Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully,” she said. Quoting Helen Keller, she added: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
The First Lady explained that the empowerment scheme aligned fully with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose administration is prioritising inclusive growth, shared prosperity and equal opportunities, especially for Nigerians whose needs have often been overlooked. “Today, the Renewed Hope Initiative is providing ₦200,000 Business Recapitalisation Grants to 250 persons with disabilities in each state and the FCT,” she said. “In total, 9,500 persons with disabilities will benefit from this programme, amounting to ₦1.9 billion.”
She disclosed that each state, the FCT and DEPOWA received ₦50 million for onward disbursement to beneficiaries, noting that the support targets small business owners seeking to recapitalise their enterprises and strengthen their livelihoods. Senator Tinubu added that, over the past two years, the Renewed Hope Initiative has supported more than 100,000 women petty traders, small business owners and persons with disabilities through direct financial assistance and empowerment schemes. “We remain committed to doing even more to uplift lives and bring hope to those in need,” she stated.
Highlighting broader humanitarian interventions, the First Lady said the RHI continues to deliver relief to victims of floods, communal clashes, disasters, the elderly and widows, as well as orphans of fallen heroes. She also referenced the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme coordinated by the wife of the Vice President, Her Excellency Hajia Nana Shettima, which has so far reached 22 states and the FCT, including IDPs and vulnerable groups. Senator Tinubu announced that the Governing Board of the RHI has approved institutionalising the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities as an annual event. “Every 3rd of December, we will honour the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by renewing our commitment to inclusion,” she said.
In her welcome address, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, warmly received the First Lady and described the event as “timely and inspiring.” Citing the September 2025 United Nations report estimating that 1.3 billion people, 16% of the global population live with disabilities, she commended Senator Tinubu’s compassion and national leadership. “Your Excellency’s unwavering commitment sends a powerful message that every Nigerian deserves dignity, support and opportunity regardless of ability,” she said. Calling for a standing ovation, she added: “Your leadership under the Renewed Hope Initiative continues to uplift countless families across the nation in life-changing ways.”
Mrs Oluyede reaffirmed the association’s support, saying, “On behalf of the entire DEPOWA family, we pledge our unalloyed loyalty and commitment to partnering with you in every programme that promotes inclusion, compassion and national stability.”
In a goodwill message, the Director of Veteran Affairs Division, Defence Headquarters, Major General Oluwafemi Daniel Williams, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, commended the RHI for extending financial support to 420 persons with disabilities, including disabled military veterans. “Today’s event is compassion in action,” he declared. “Many of our personnel sustained life-changing injuries while defending our nation’s sovereignty. Empowering them is not charity, it is a duty.”
He stressed the importance of inclusive development and affirmed the Armed Forces’ support for the programme. “No nation can achieve genuine progress without ensuring equal opportunity and participation for persons with disabilities,” he said. “The Armed Forces remain fully committed to fostering a society where every Nigerian can thrive.”
Delivering the vote of thanks, the wife of the Chief of Army Staff expressed heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady for her compassion and sustained support to persons with disabilities, especially injured service members. “Your motherly commitment continues to restore dignity and bring hope to our disabled veterans and their families,” she said. “The empowerment extended today will make a meaningful difference in their lives.”
A deeply emotional moment came when Inspector Orinya John, one of the beneficiaries, shared his personal testimony. He recounted how an accident in May 2023 cost him his leg and left him, his wife and family sleeping in his small shop after losing their home. Speaking through tears, he described months of hardship and repeated attempts to seek assistance. He said he was shocked when he received a call informing him that he had been selected for the empowerment programme. “All I have to say is that where the spirit does not give up, hope will always return,” he said. “This support has shown me that I am not forgotten. God bless everyone who remembers people like us.”
The 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration ended on an uplifting note, with dignitaries and beneficiaries expressing collective resolve to sustain Nigeria’s journey toward a more inclusive society, one in which every citizen, regardless of physical condition, is given the opportunity to live with dignity, stability and renewed hope.
