By Evelyn Zorzor
To mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disability, 250 persons living with disabilities in Delta State today received economic empowerment support totalling N50 million from the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The First Lady, represented by the wife of the Delta State Governor, DCNS Tobore Oborevwori, launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities under the RHI Social Investment Programme at Government House, Asaba.
Speaking at the event, she noted that the programme was specially timed to align with the global celebration, adding that it was being launched simultaneously across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
According to her:
“Today, the Renewed Hope Initiative will provide the sum of two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) Business Recapitalization Grants to two hundred and fifty (250) persons with disabilities in each state and the FCT to support small business owners in recapitalizing their existing businesses and strengthening their means of livelihood.
“Also, each state of the federation, the FCT, and DEPOWA will each receive fifty million naira (N50,000,000) to be distributed to beneficiaries within their domains.
“In total, nine thousand five hundred (9,500) persons with disabilities across Nigeria will benefit from this programme, amounting to One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (N1,900,000,000).”
In her remarks, the wife of the Delta State Governor, represented by the Executive Assistant to the Governor, Barr. Mary Erijo, described the event as a demonstration of the compassion and generosity of Senator Tinubu, whom she referred to as “a mother with a heart for all, especially for persons living with disabilities.”
She noted that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” calls for renewed commitment to building communities where everyone regardless of physical or developmental limitations can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
In a display of empathy, the state First Lady singled out a beneficiary, a physically challenged man who had crawled into the venue, and immediately presented him with a wheelchair to enhance his mobility.
She urged the beneficiaries to use the grants judiciously and keep their spirits high as the festive season approaches.
Beneficiaries drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state expressed profound appreciation for the lifeline extended to them.
Among them was Toyin Akingboya, a cameraman who served in Government House during the last administration but lost a leg in a motor accident.
He expressed deep gratitude for being remembered and included in the initiative, noting that the support would significantly improve his livelihood.
The event ended with songs of gratitude as the beneficiaries celebrated what many described as a timely intervention.
