Oluremi Tinubu launches empowerment initiative for 18,500 women nationwide

…program targets economic independence for grassroots women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

Kunle Sanni

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has officially launched the North Central Zone Women’s Empowerment Programme, an initiative under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs). The program aims to empower 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, beginning with 500 women per state in the North Central region.

At the launch event on Friday, Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment in building a stronger, more inclusive nation.

“Today, we are equipping our women with essential tools such as deep-chest freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines. These resources will help them start or expand their businesses, fostering economic independence and contributing to national prosperity,” she said.

The First Lady highlighted the program’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusivity, economic growth, and sustainable development. She also underscored its connection to global goals, particularly SDG-5 (Gender Equality) and SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

“To all beneficiaries, I urge you to use these resources wisely. Let what you receive today prosper in your hands, helping you build better lives for yourselves and your families while contributing meaningfully to our nation’s progress,” she encouraged.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, described the initiative as a significant step toward unlocking the economic potential of Nigerian women.

“This program is about more than distributing equipment; it’s about creating opportunities for women to thrive, build sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to inclusive national development,” she said.

She commended the First Lady for her leadership and reaffirmed OSSAP-SDGs’ commitment to ensuring no woman is left behind in Nigeria’s pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, praised the initiative as a groundbreaking shift in government policy.

“For years, empowerment programs have heavily depended on donor funding. Today, under President Tinubu’s leadership, domestic resources are being mobilized to empower women directly. When women are empowered, communities thrive, children stay in school, and families prosper,” she stated.

Echoing this sentiment, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, emphasized the role of such programs in fostering economic and social transformation.

“Women are the backbone of our society. Providing them with the tools to thrive economically ensures that our communities grow stronger and more sustainable,” she said.

The launch of the North Central Zone Women’s Empowerment Programme marks a key milestone in the federal government’s efforts to promote gender equality and economic inclusion.

With similar initiatives planned for other regions—starting with the South-South Zone—this program reinforces the government’s commitment to empowering women as key drivers of national development and progress.