The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), spearheaded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has awarded a ₦50 million empowerment grant to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Rivers State.
The presentation ceremony, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, was conducted by Lady Valerie Fubara, wife of the Rivers State Governor.
As part of the RHI Social Investment Programme, 250 PWDs in each state will receive ₦200,000 business grants, while a total of ₦1.9 billion is being distributed to 9,500 beneficiaries across the 36 states, the FCT, and DEPOWA.
Senator Tinubu said launching the initiative on the global day reinforces the government’s commitment to inclusion, adding that the empowerment will now hold annually on December 3. She urged beneficiaries to use the funds to build sustainable ventures, stressing that empowering citizens contributes to national development.
Speaking at the event, Lady Valerie Fubara encouraged the recipients to focus on their abilities and creativity, calling on society to eliminate discrimination and embrace inclusion.
Kie Obamanu, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked Senator Tinubu and Lady Fubara, while appealing for the full enforcement of disability laws to protect the rights of PWDs.
