Renewed Hope Initiative, Tony Elumelu Foundation Empower 500 Edo Women with Business Grants

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, on Saturday, October 4th, empowered 500 women in Edo State with N50,000 each to support and strengthen their businesses.

The launch and presentation ceremony, held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, highlighted the commitment of RHI to fostering women’s economic independence. Senator Tinubu, represented by Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator, Office of the First Lady Edo State, emphasized that the programme is designed to recapitalize existing businesses and enhance women’s economic resilience.

“This is not a loan, it is a grant – a seed of renewed hope to help you grow your businesses. When you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation,” she stated.

The initiative, funded by a N1 billion donation from the Tony Elumelu Foundation, will benefit 18,500 women nationwide, with 500 beneficiaries per state and the FCT. Each beneficiary receives a N50,000 grant to strengthen their small businesses.

Mrs. Anani expressed appreciation to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Senator Tinubu for their unwavering support in implementing RHI programmes in the state. She also lauded the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its dedication to advancing women’s entrepreneurship in Africa.

Some of the pre-selected beneficiaries received their grants during the ceremony. One of them, Mrs. Adesuwa Obasogie, described the gesture as timely and impactful, noting that it would significantly boost her business. She thanked Senator Tinubu and the Edo First Lady for their commitment to empowering women.

The event was graced by top government functionaries and stakeholders, including the Wife of the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Barbara Agbebaku; Chairperson, National Council of Women Societies, Edo State, Mrs. Taiwo Inumidune; SA on Sustainable Development Goals, Sally Suleiman; Hon. Kenny Okojie; Dr. Amen Ogbemudia; Dr. Eseigbe Eromon; and Mrs. Mercy Ebhodaghe, among others.