The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu flagged off the distribution of empowerment items to 1,000 women in Lagos State, on the 23rd of August, 2025.
This was done in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Tinubu said the empowerment programme is part of her nationwide intervention programme aimed at providing sustainable livelihoods for women and strengthening family ties, in line with the SDGs.
According to her, 500 women were earlier earmarked for empowerment in Lagos State, but the additional 500 items contributed by Governor Sanwo-Olu, made the total number of beneficiaries in the state to become 1,000.
The beneficiaries who received transport stipends to ease the movement of their items got various items such as, deep freezers, grinding machines, and electricity generating sets.
In the words of The First Lady, “This initiative is not just about distributing items; it is about equipping our women with the necessary tools and resources to support their families and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our communities”, she added.
She also confirmed that the programme is currently ongoing nationwide in the six geopolitical zones of the country, with over 18,500 women to benefit from the initiative.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended Senator Tinubu for championing the cause of women, while pledging to give women the support needed to soar.
“This is about economic empowerment, but more importantly, it is about strengthening families. Women remain the solid pillars of their homes and communities,” he affirmed.
The Lagos State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative-Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu explained that the intervention was designed to provide long-term support for women entrepreneurs while lifting families out of poverty.
The Lagos First Lady urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the empowerment items, emphasizing that the goal is to create sustainable livelihoods and build resilient communities, which borders on hope for a better future.
“Let these tools serve as a foundation for growth. With hard work and dedication, you will not only support your families but also inspire other women in your communities”, she advised
In her address, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire described the initiative as, “a collective commitment towards empowering Nigerian women across the 36 states of The Federal with the inclusion of The Federal Capital Territory”, she said.
While appreciating Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s exemplary leadership, she reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
In her words, “Empowering women helps them contribute not only to their households but also to their communities and the nation. No woman must be left behind”, she added.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Honourable Cecilia Bolaji Dada, noted that empowering women means empowering the entire nation. She charged beneficiaries to use their items productively and extend the benefits to others.
According to her, “Women are not just partners in progress; they are champions of progress. When women are empowered, households thrive, and the economy grows stronger,” she said.
The colourful event, was attended by Mr. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
Other dignitaries included The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, and his wife, Chief Mrs. Remi Hamzat; Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun; Mrs. Feyisara Abiru; APC Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; The Former Lagos State Deputy Governor and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Wife of the Vice President-Hajia Nana Shettima, and Wife of The Former Governor of Lagos State Mrs Bolanle Ambode, among others.
The Lagos RHI flag-off, marks another milestone in the nationwide campaign to reduce poverty, eliminate hunger, promote good health as well as foster peace and justice, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria.
