The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has extended her nationwide economic empowerment programme to Gombe State, targeting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the state.
The empowerment activity, carried out in Gombe as part of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, witnessed the disbursement of ₦200,000 each to 250 Persons with Disabilities to support business growth, enhance economic stability, and improve livelihood opportunities.
Under the national programme, each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory is benefiting from the same initiative, receiving recapitalization grants for 250 PWDs. Additionally, each state, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has been allocated ₦50 million to further support PWDs within their jurisdictions.
In total, 9,500 Nigerians with disabilities are expected to benefit from this national intervention, amounting to a cumulative disbursement of ₦1.9 billion.
Represented by the First Lady of Gombe State Hajiya Asmau Inuwa Yahaya emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is centered on inclusive development and ensuring that no citizen is left behind.
She further noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative has already supported over 100,000 women petty traders and small-scale business owners, including PWDs, with grants and empowerment tools across the nation.
Senator Tinubu also highlighted RHI’s contributions in agriculture, education, health, and social welfare, including providing relief materials to victims of disasters such as floods and communal clashes. Food assistance has so far reached 22 states, the FCT, IDP camps, and various vulnerable communities.
She announced that the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities will now be institutionalized as an annual national event, held every December 3rd to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The First Lady encouraged beneficiaries in Gombe State to make prudent use of the support funds to strengthen their small businesses and uplift their living standards.
In his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Ishaq Adamu, commended the Renewed Hope Initiative and the First Lady for the thoughtful inclusion of PWDs. He added that the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has prioritized disability inclusion across sectors such as education, health, employment, infrastructure, and social welfare by ensuring that a deliberate quota is preserved for PWD participation and protection.
He reassured that the Gombe State Government remains committed to building a state where every individual—regardless of ability—can thrive without barriers while deepening inclusion, expanding opportunities, and securing a brighter future for all.
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