The Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has doubled the sum payable to Deltans in the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme from N50,000 to N100,000 for each of the 1,000 beneficiaries in Delta State.
The gesture came on the heels of the choice of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, to personally flag off the nationwide programme in Delta State.
The First Lady who flew into Delta State on Thursday for the event, disclosed that the initiative is to support 1,000 petty traders in each of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, to recapitalise and strengthen their businesses.
“This event is taking place simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. I appreciate our host, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and his amiable wife for the warm reception and hospitality accorded us.
“You are all aware of the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises, especially the petty traders who form the backbone of our local economies. These challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your courage and resilience that keep you going.
“Today, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing one thousand pre-selected women petty traders per state with the grant of N50,000 each to recapitalise and grow their businesses.
“A total of N1.850 billion will be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders across the nation. And the good news for Delta as mentioned by Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the Governor has decided to support our N50 million grant with another sum of N50 million. So, instead of the women receiving N50,000, they will be receiving N100,000 each.
“To the beneficiaries of this programme, I say and I quote “you are the heart of our local economies, the foundation of our communities and the unsung heroes of our nation.” You have shown incredible resilience in overcoming challenges to build your businesses,” she said.
Welcoming Mrs Tinubu earlier, the wife of the Governor of Delta State and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, described the President’s wife as a beloved mother, who is elegant, graceful, alluring, accessible and kind-hearted.
“Your Excellency, your commitment to the well-being of Nigerians through your Renewed Hope Initiative- in Agriculture, Education, Economic Empowerment, Social Investment and Health Care, is commendable.
“As a state, we have benefitted from these initiatives, including the distribution of notebooks and scholarship scheme for students, grants for the elderly and farmers and distribution of bags of rice to indigent women.
“We are here today to flag off another empowerment initiative; over thirty-seven thousand petty traders across the country will benefit from this programme.
“This is overwhelming and worthy of commendation. As you always say to us, no family should suffer in this administration. This gesture is a clear testimony that Nigerians will be catered for.
“Every philanthropic gesture is worth emulating; in line with this, my dear husband, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is supporting this empowerment scheme with the sum of N50 million.
“On my part, through the You Matter Charity Foundation, I have empowered and supported rural market women, initiated Free Medical Care for the elderly and, at the core of my foundation, I am providing support for Autistic Children and Children with Special needs.
“Let me again thank our mother for choosing Delta State for this flag off; this is a sign that more goodies are on the way. To the beneficiaries, I congratulate you on being part of this gesture. I encourage you to make good use of this empowerment; grow your business and contribute to the well-being of your families.”
On his part, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori expressed delight with Mrs Tinubu for choosing Delta State for the flag- off of the empowerment programme and commended the First Lady for supporting Mr President in his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Oborevwori said: “We are happy that you chose Delta State to flag off the Renewed Hope Empowerment Programme. Your coming to Delta today has brought great joy to us because this is your second home.
“This programme is very impactful because you have been empowering women across the 36 states across Nigeria. We took time to follow what you have been doing, showing love to the Nigerian people, uplifting the vulnerable.
“I am happy with what you are doing for women in Nigeria and the support you are giving Mr President; you are touching lives and people are happy.”
