By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
7-OCT-2025

In a recent boost to women’s economic empowerment across Nigeria, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has donated ₦1 billion to the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)—an empowerment scheme championed by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The donation is targeted at uplifting women entrepreneurs nationwide, with 500 women beneficiaries from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory set to receive ₦50,000 each to enhance their businesses.

The official launch of the programme took place at the Government House Banquet Hall, Owerri, Imo State, where the First Lady was represented by the wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma. Senator Tinubu, through her representative, described the initiative as a deliberate step by the Federal Government to strengthen women-owned small and medium-scale businesses.

According to her, the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Empowerment Programme is designed to promote self-reliance among women traders and entrepreneurs who contribute immensely to their families and communities. She stressed that the funds were not loans but grants—a form of seed capital intended to rejuvenate and expand their businesses.

In an act of magnanimity, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, complemented the Foundation’s gesture by doubling the support for Imo beneficiaries. Each of the 500 selected women from the 27 local government areas of the state received ₦100,000 instead of ₦50,000, reflecting the governor’s deep commitment to women’s financial independence and grassroots economic growth.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu lauded Governor Uzodimma and his wife for their unwavering partnership in driving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative. “When you empower a woman, you empower a family, a community, and indeed, a nation,” she remarked.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of ₦100,000 cash grants to each of the beneficiaries by Mrs. Uzodimma, amid cheers and appreciation from the women.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Governor Uzodimma has tasked the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority to intensify efforts in bridging developmental gaps in key sectors such as agriculture, water resources, power, livestock, and food security across the South-East and beyond.

The governor issued this charge when he received the Board and Management of the Authority, led by its Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Anosike, and the Managing Director, Hon. Emeka Nduka, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Owerri. He expressed optimism that the new leadership team would deliver on their mandate, given their strong credentials and dedication to service.

Governor Uzodimma reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with federal agencies to promote sustainable development and improve the living standards of Imo citizens and Nigerians at large.