First Lady, SDGs office empower 500 Rivers women
By Salif Atojoko
The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has empowered 500 women from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers.
The RHI is the flagship humanitarian platform of Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady; Mr Desmond Utomwen, Special Assistant Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, OSSAP-SDGs, said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the empowerment programme held in Port Harcourt, was part of a nationwide initiative aimed at lifting vulnerable women out of poverty.
This is in line with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 1 (No Poverty), 5 (Gender Equality), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
The 500 women received empowerment equipment such as deep-chest freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines to boost their small-scale enterprises.
Tina Pepple, one of the beneficiaries, described the gesture as “a miracle that would change her life.”
She added, “with this, I can support my family. I thank our mother, the First Lady, and the SDGs Office for remembering us.”
Other beneficiaries – Blessing Dickson, Kariba Dives, Doris Jaja, Stella Ohochukwu, Gloria Kuki, and Salome Ohochukwu – also showered encomiums on the First Lady and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs.
Dr Theresa Ibas, the wife of the Sole Administrator of Rivers, who represented the First Lady at the event, noted that the initiative was aimed at planting seeds of economic revival in the lives of women.
“Today, we are equipping our women with essential tools like deep-chest freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines to build successful businesses and contribute to our nation’s prosperity,” said Tinubu.
The President’s wife linked the initiative to broader national and global objectives, noting: “Women’s empowerment is central to achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.
“These items are not just tools; they are stepping stones towards financial independence and a better future for Nigerian women.”
She encouraged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity.
“Use these resources wisely to build better lives for yourselves and your families. Let what you receive today prosper in your hands as you contribute meaningfully to our nation’s progress,” she stated.
She also commended the OSSAP-SDGs for its leadership in aligning the empowerment programmes with global best practices and for providing the technical and financial frameworks for effective implementation.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, highlighted the programme’s broader impact on national development.
“Today’s programme is not just about distributing empowerment items; it is about unlocking potential, fostering economic independence, and creating opportunities for women to thrive,” she stated.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive development through strategic partnerships and direct support to vulnerable populations.
“By equipping 500 women per state and the FCT with tools such as gas cookers, generators, deep freezers and grinding machines, we are strengthening their capacity to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to inclusive national development,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni
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