The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has announced a ₦1 billion donation to the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to support women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
The grant will benefit 500 women in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with each recipient receiving ₦50,000 to boost their businesses.
The initiative was unveiled during the launch of the Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Owerri, Imo State, with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasizing that the scheme aims to strengthen women-owned enterprises and promote economic independence.
Represented by Chioma Uzodimma, wife of the Imo State Governor, the First Lady explained that the partnership between RHI and the Tony Elumelu Foundation reflects the federal government’s commitment to empowering women traders and small business owners who contribute significantly to their families and communities.
She noted that the financial support is not a loan but a grant—a seed investment from the Renewed Hope Initiative designed to help women recapitalize their ventures.
“When you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed a nation,” Mrs. Tinubu stated.
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In a show of support, Governor Hope Uzodimma announced an additional ₦50,000 for each beneficiary in Imo State, raising the total amount per woman to ₦100,000.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of cash grants to 500 pre-selected women from the state’s 27 local government areas.
Expressing appreciation to the governor and his wife, Senator Tinubu commended their continued collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative in driving women-centered development across the country.
In a related engagement, Governor Uzodimma urged the Board and Management of the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority to address existing gaps in water resources, agriculture, food security, energy, and livestock production in the Southeast and across Nigeria.
He made this call while receiving the delegation, led by Chairman Senator Emmanuel Anosike, at the Government House in Owerri, expressing confidence in the new leadership’s capacity to deliver meaningful impact under the direction of Managing Director Hon. Emeka Nduka.
