Senator Oluremi Tinubu Flags Off Empowerment Programme for 1,000 Women in Lagos
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday flagged off the distribution of empowerment items to 1,000 women in Lagos State, under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The colourful event, held in Lagos, was graced by dignitaries including Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and his wife, Mrs. Remi Hamzat; Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun; Mrs. Feyisara Abiru; APC Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; former Lagos Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President. Also in attendance was Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, wife of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, among other eminent personalities.
Empowering Women, Strengthening Families
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Tinubu said the empowerment programme is part of her nationwide intervention aimed at providing sustainable livelihoods for women, in line with the SDGs. According to her, 500 women were targeted for support in Lagos State, but with the additional 500 empowerment items contributed by Governor Sanwo-Olu, the total beneficiaries in the state rose to 1,000.
The distributed items included deep freezers, grinding machines, and electricity generating sets. Beneficiaries also received transport stipends to ease the movement of their items.
“This initiative is not just about distributing items; it is about equipping our women with the necessary tools and resources to support their families and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our communities,” the First Lady said.
She added that the programme is currently ongoing across the six geopolitical zones of the country, with over 18,500 women expected to benefit nationwide.
A Collective Commitment to Women Empowerment
In her welcome address, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire described the initiative as “another bold step towards empowering Nigerian women across the 36 states and the FCT.” She appreciated Senator Tinubu’s exemplary leadership and reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“Empowering women helps them contribute not only to their households but also to their communities and the nation. No woman must be left behind,” Orelope-Adefulire stressed.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, noted that empowering women means empowering the entire nation. She charged beneficiaries to use their items productively and extend the benefits to others.
“Women are not just partners in progress; they are champions of progress. When women are empowered, households thrive, and the economy grows stronger,” she said.
Sanwo-Olu’s Pledge of Support
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended Senator Tinubu for championing the cause of women, noting that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth. He pledged to sustain similar empowerment programmes in Lagos to ensure that more women and families benefit.
“This is about economic empowerment, but more importantly, it is about strengthening families. Women remain the solid pillars of their homes and communities,” he affirmed.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, explained that the intervention was designed to provide long-term support for women entrepreneurs while lifting families out of poverty.
Hope for a Brighter Future
The First Lady urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the empowerment items, emphasizing that the goal is to create sustainable livelihoods and build resilient communities.
“Let these tools serve as a foundation for growth. With hard work and dedication, you will not only support your families but also inspire other women in your communities,” she charged.
The Lagos flag-off marks another milestone in the Renewed Hope Initiative’s nationwide campaign to reduce poverty, eliminate hunger, promote good health, and foster peace and justice, in line with the President’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria.
About the Author
