Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, launched a nationwide disbursement of financial support to 9,500 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), providing each beneficiary with ₦200,000 under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The programme was flagged off at the Mambilla Barracks in Abuja, where 250 physically challenged military and police veterans received the first tranche of the support as part of activities marking the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu said the initiative was rooted in her belief that Nigeria becomes stronger when every citizen is empowered to contribute to national development.
“This event holds special significance as it coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and is being launched simultaneously across the 36 states of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA),” she said.
Quoting American disability rights advocate Helen Keller, the First Lady added: “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.”
She stressed that fostering a disability-inclusive society is essential to advancing social progress, noting that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at ensuring inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
“It seeks to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked,” Tinubu said.
The First Lady highlighted that the Renewed Hope Initiative has, in the past two years, supported more than 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including PWDs, with direct grants to strengthen their enterprises.
RHI’s interventions, she noted, also cut across agriculture, education, health, social welfare, and broader economic empowerment programmes.
Since its inception in 2023, the RHI business recapitalis
ation scheme has boosted over 100,000 small businesses nationwide, with persons with disabilities among the beneficiaries. Senator Tinubu assured that more support packages are underway.
“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 every December 3, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” she announced.
Addressing the beneficiaries, she urged them to view the financial support as a springboard for sustainable growth.
“Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family,” she said.
The nationwide disbursement is expected to reach beneficiaries across all states and the FCT as part of efforts to strengthen economic inclusion for persons with disabilities.
