Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Tony Elumelu Foundation Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme in Imo State. The initiative aims to uplift 18,500 women entrepreneurs across Nigeria through financial grants designed to strengthen small-scale businesses and boost economic growth.
Speaking at the flag-off event in Owerri, Senator Tinubu represented by Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, the First Lady of Imo State described the scheme as a practical step toward improving the lives of women who work tirelessly to support their families and communities.
She emphasized that the empowerment is not a loan but a grant, describing it as a “seed of renewed hope” meant to help women recapitalize and expand their businesses.
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Programme Details
The initiative is funded through a ₦1 billion donation from the Tony Elumelu Foundation, targeting 18,500 women across the 36 states and the FCT. Each selected beneficiary will receive a ₦50,000 grant to boost their small business.
In Imo State, 500 women received their cheques during the launch ceremony. In addition, Governor Hope Uzodimma announced an extra ₦50,000 for each beneficiary, bringing the total amount per woman to ₦100,000.
Senator Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its continuous support of women-led enterprises, calling it a “remarkable act of generosity.” She also commended Governor and Mrs. Uzodimma for their strong partnership in implementing the Renewed Hope Initiative at the state level.
The First Lady reaffirmed that empowering women remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that women’s economic inclusion directly improves household welfare and community development.
“When you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation,” she stated.
How to Apply or Benefit from the Programme
Although the current beneficiaries were pre-selected, more women across Nigeria will benefit as the programme continues in other states. Interested applicants are encouraged to take note of the following steps to benefit from future rounds:
- Visit official platforms: Check updates via the Renewed Hope Initiative and Tony Elumelu Foundation official websites and verified social media channels.
- Stay connected with women’s associations: Many local women’s groups, market associations, and cooperative societies are expected to partner with RHI for future selections.
- Prepare business details: Keep records such as business name, type, size, and location handy. This will help during verification or registration.
- Follow announcements: Future application forms or registration portals will be made public once new phases of the programme are open.
Why This Programme Matters
The RHI Tony Elumelu Foundation partnership represents a major private-public effort to reduce poverty among women, encourage entrepreneurship, and drive inclusive economic growth across Nigeria. By offering direct financial support instead of loans, the programme helps women grow sustainable businesses without the burden of repayment.
