The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has rolled out a fresh round of financial empowerment for persons with disabilities in Oyo State, as part of the nationwide Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme held to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The event, held on Wednesday at the Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, saw 250 beneficiaries in Oyo State each receive ₦200,000 business recapitalisation grants, while the state also received a ₦50 million support fund for broader distribution within its disability community.
The programme was implemented simultaneously across the 36 states, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
Senator Tinubu, who was represented in Ibadan by the Oyo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. (Alhaja) Faosat Joke Sanni, said the programme reflects the Federal Government’s determination to build an economy that leaves no Nigerian behind.
“Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully,” she said.
“Today, the Renewed Hope Initiative will provide ₦200,000 each to 250 persons with disabilities in every state, the FCT, and DEPOWA. Each state will also receive ₦50 million to support beneficiaries within its domain.”
She announced that a total of 9,500 persons with disabilities nationwide will receive support amounting to ₦1.9 billion, describing it as one of the largest empowerment interventions targeted at Nigerians with disabilities.
Quoting American disability rights champion Helen Keller, she added,
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. A truly inclusive society is built when we stand together and create opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts.”
Senator Tinubu emphasized that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth, social protection, and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable Nigerians.
She also highlighted past RHI interventions, noting that over 100,000 petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, have benefitted from direct cash grants in the last two years.
“Our Social Investment Programmes have supported victims of floods, communal clashes, disasters, the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes,” she said.
“Through our Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, food items have been delivered to 22 states and the FCT. We remain committed to doing even more.”
She also announced that the RHI Governing Board has approved that the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities will now hold annually on December 3.
She thanked Governor Seyi Makinde and Oyo State First Lady, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, for their support for disability inclusion.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, reiterated the state government’s commitment to inclusive governance.
“Today reminds us that disability is not inability. Every individual, regardless of physical or cognitive differences, possesses immense value,” he said.
He noted that Oyo State maintains a deliberate quota across education, health, employment, infrastructure, and social welfare to ensure persons with disabilities are not marginalized.
“The Agency for Persons with Disabilities remains a hub for policy implementation, empowerment, and advocacy. Our goal is a state where every person can thrive without barriers,” Adekanmbi said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Lawal Lateef Kayode thanked the First Lady and the government for the empowerment opportunity, pledging that beneficiaries would use the funds responsibly to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
