The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has empowered 250 persons living with disabilities in Ondo State with N200, 000 each through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) empowerment programme.
The empowerment programme which was done in commemoration of this year’s World Disability Day with the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies For Advancing Progress” held at the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) is being replicated across the 36 State including Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to identify with the challenges of people living with disabilities, disabled veterans from the military and police in order to recapitalise their businesses and make them economically reliance.
Senator Tinubu, represented by the First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, who is also the State RHI coordinator revealed that nine thousand, five hundred (9,500) Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria will benefit from this programme, amounting to One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (N1,900,000,000).
While encouraging the beneficiaries to use the money for it’s purpose, Senator Tinubu said: “Today, the Renewed Hope Initiative will provide the sum of two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) Business Recapitalization Grants to two hundred and fifty (250) Persons with Disabilities in each State and the Federal Capital Territory to support small business owners to recapitalize their existing businesses and strengthen their means of livelihood.
“Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully. As Helen Keller, the renowned American disability rights advocate, once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” These words remind us that a truly inclusive society is built when we stand together, creating opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts to our collective progress.
“In recognition of our shared responsibility to promote inclusion, the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities an annual event, to be held on December 3rd, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity. Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family.”
In the words of the State Commissioner For Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, who congratulated the beneficiaries described the day as special in the history of the State when 250 persons with disabilities will be going home with N200, 000 each.
Dr. Osamaye, who appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his love and support for people with disabilities explained that people in Ondo State can boldly say that they are benefiting from the RHI empowerment programmes because of the cordial relationship between the State government and the Federal government and assured them of more opportunities in the coming year.
In his response, Chairman Joint association of people living with disabilities Mr Olusegun Abiodun appreciated Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Ondo State government for the timely support and love shown towards people with disabilities in the State.
The man who gave the assurance that the money will be used judiciously to boost their businesses added that it will go a long way to sustain their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
