Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a fresh round of economic support for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Akwa Ibom State, disbursing ₦50m in business grants as part of a nationwide empowerment programme worth ₦1.9bn.
The initiative, announced at an event in Uyo to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, will provide ₦200,000 in business recapitalisation funds to 250 beneficiaries in each state and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking through the Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office, Lady Helen Eno Obareki—represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Inibehe Etukudo—Mrs Tinubu said the scheme was designed to strengthen livelihoods and ensure that Nigerians with disabilities are not excluded from economic opportunities.
She said the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which “seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind”.
According to the First Lady, every state and the FCT has already received its respective ₦50m allocation for onward distribution, targeting a total of 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide.
Mrs Tinubu also announced that the empowerment scheme for persons with disabilities will become an annual event held every 3 December.
“To all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity. Let it be a seed that grows into something greater,” she said.
Akwa Ibom officials, including the RHI state focal person Emem Rook and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, praised the initiative, describing it as a vital boost for vulnerable groups.
The event also featured cultural performances and a symbolic presentation of grants to representatives of six disability clusters, while several beneficiaries received credit alerts during the programme.
NIM
