250 Persons With Disabilities In Anambra receive Mrs Tinubu's ₦50m business grant.

By Madu Obi

About two hundred and fifty persons living with disabilities in Anambra State have received the sum of N200,000 each to support their existing small businesses.

The programmme, which was supported by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme, provides financial assistance to persons with disabilities across the country, to recapitalize their businesses. The beneficiaries also include members of the Police Officers’ Wives Associationl.

Delivering Mrs Tinubu's address during the empowerment programme in Anambra State, the wife of the governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, who was represented by the Deputy Governor's wife, Lady Oluchi Ibezim, said the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked.

Mrs Soludo observed that over the past two years, the RHI has supported over one hundred thousand women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, with direct financial grants to grow their businesses.

She added that the RHI Social Investment Programmes have provided financial and material support to victims of floods, communal clashes, and disasters, as well as to the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes, notng that through the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, it has so far delivered food items to 22 States and the FCT.

In his remarks, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike said the event demonstrates the natural commitment of the Anambra First Lady to ensure that Anambra people are not denied any economic empowerment programme from the federal government.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the grants to better their lives, reminding them that the funds can become a seed that will produce sources of livelihood for them if properly appropriated.

On her part, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo said that the show of love by the Nigerian first lady reinforces the call on PWDs to continue to strive to achieve their life ambitions, irrespective of whatever physical disability they may be having.

In a goodwill message, the Anambra State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, appreciated the implementation of financial support for PWDs which, according to him, is a compassionate programme of Senator Tinubu, effectively implemented in the state by the governor’s wife.

He encouraged members of the association who got the support to demonstrate through their actions that empowerment yields impact when used responsibly.