In commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 250 persons with disabilities in Ekiti State through her flagship social intervention programme, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
Represented by the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Senator Tinubu presented financial grants of ₦200,000 each to the beneficiaries to upscale their small businesses and strengthen their economic independence.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu said the disbursement totaling ₦50 million to 250 beneficiaries reflects the federal government’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities.
She noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative was deliberately designed to support vulnerable Nigerians and ensure that no one is left behind in national development.
She urged beneficiaries to channel the funds into productive ventures that will enhance their income and alleviate hardship, emphasizing that proper use of the support would open new economic opportunities for them.
Highlighting the broader impact of the RHI, Senator Tinubu explained that in the last two years, more than 100,000 women petty traders, small-scale business owners, and persons with disabilities have received direct financial assistance to expand their businesses.
She added that the initiative has also driven several transformative interventions across Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare nationwide.
Senator Tinubu expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for their steadfast support and collaboration in implementing programmes that uplift vulnerable groups.
In addition to the financial grants, some beneficiaries also received mobility aids, including wheelchairs and guide canes, courtesy of the Ekiti State Government to further enhance their independence and quality of life.
Beneficiaries selected from various parts of the state described the gesture as a life-changing intervention.
They applauded Senator Tinubu’s compassion and consistent support for persons with disabilities, noting that the empowerment would significantly ease their daily struggles and strengthen their livelihoods.
The event underscored the federal and state governments’ shared commitment to promote inclusion, dignity, and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities across Ekiti State and the nation at large.