Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, December 3, empowered Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) across Ekiti, Nasarawa and Abia states with business recapitalisation grants as part of activities marking the International Day of Persons With Disabilities.

Naija News reports that each of the three states received ₦50 million, shared among 250 beneficiaries, with each person receiving ₦200,000 to support small businesses and promote economic independence.

The Renewed Hope Initiative, launched simultaneously across all 36 states and the FCT, is expected to reach 9,500 PWDs nationwide.

In Abia State, the disbursement was supervised by the wife of Governor Alex Otti, Priscilla Chidinma Otti.

She said, “This grant is not just financial support; it is an investment in dignity, independence, and economic inclusion. We are committed to ensuring PWDs participate fully in education, health, and economic activities.”

Also speaking, Chairman of the Abia State Disabilities Commission, David Anyaele, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for empowering 250 beneficiaries.

According to him, “This initiative recognises the resilience and enterprise of PWDs and ensures they continue to prosper.”

In Ekiti State, the event was held at Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, with the state’s First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, presenting the grants.

She said, “Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully. This programme ensures that no Nigerian is left behind.”

Oyebanji further noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative had in two years supported more than 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including PWDs, with direct grants to grow their ventures.

In Lafia, the Nasarawa State First Lady, Silifat Abdullahi-Sule, distributed the grants and urged recipients to invest wisely to expand their businesses.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hauwa Jugbo, said the intervention would help small business owners recapitalise and strengthen their livelihoods.

According to her, “These funds will help small business owners recapitalise and strengthen their means of livelihood, improving social and economic inclusion.”

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