Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 1,000 petty traders in Ile-Ife, Osun State, with a total of ₦50 million under the Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at supporting small businesses and improving livelihoods.
The empowerment programme took place on Wednesday at Kensington Hall, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, where each beneficiary received ₦50,000 to help strengthen and expand their businesses.
Representing the First Lady at the event, the Osun APC Women Leader, Alhaja Kudirat Fakokunde, urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the grant by investing it wisely in their businesses.
She explained that the initiative was created to improve the economic well-being of petty traders and contribute to the welfare of their families.
Also speaking, Dr. Sekinat Oyebamiji, wife of the APC governorship candidate in Osun State, encouraged the beneficiaries to use the financial support as capital to grow their businesses and improve their income.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, appealed to residents of Ile-Ife to support the APC governorship candidate in the August 15 governorship election, as well as President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, commended the First Lady for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would positively impact the lives of petty traders across the community.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to uplifting the less privileged, and genuine empowerment should always target those who truly need it,” the monarch said.
The traditional ruler also assured that every verified beneficiary would receive the grant and advised recipients to use the money productively to strengthen and expand their businesses.
Source: NAN.
