It was a moment of joy and celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as 500 women across the 23 Local Government Areas benefitted from a major empowerment programme jointly organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the humanitarian platform of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The initiative, part of a nationwide programme, is in line with Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), with the objective of lifting vulnerable women out of poverty and supporting their economic independence.
With songs of thanksgiving and visible excitement, the women received a range of empowerment items, including deep-chest freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines to support their small businesses. For many, this marked a new beginning.
One of the beneficiaries, Tina Pepple, described the empowerment as “a miracle that would change her life,” saying, “With this, I can support my family. I thank our mother, the First Lady, and the SDGs Office for remembering us.” Other recipients—Blessing Dickson, Kariba Dives, Doris Jaja, Stella Ohochukwu, Gloria A. Kuki, and Salome Ohochukwu—also expressed profound gratitude to the organisers.
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, Dr. Mrs Theresa Ibas, wife of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, emphasized the vision behind the initiative, saying, “Today, we are equipping our women with essential tools to build successful businesses and contribute to our nation’s prosperity.”
She stressed that women’s empowerment is central to the achievement of the SDGs, particularly gender equality and economic growth. “These items are not just tools; they are stepping stones towards financial independence and a better future for Nigerian women.”
Dr. Ibas encouraged the beneficiaries to utilise the tools wisely to uplift themselves and their communities. She also commended OSSAP-SDGs for aligning the empowerment programmes with global standards and ensuring effective implementation.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, reiterated the programme’s focus on unlocking the economic potential of women. “Today’s programme is about more than distributing items—it’s about unlocking potential and creating opportunities for women to thrive,” she said.
She affirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to promote inclusive development through strategic partnerships and direct support, adding, “By equipping 500 women per state and the FCT, we are building a foundation for sustainable livelihoods and inclusive national progress.”
