First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu says criticism and misinformation will not stop her drive to support women petty traders nationwide.
She spoke in Hadejia, Jigawa State, during the inauguration of the Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir’s Palace. She dismissed social media reports on her empowerment programme, saying it is designed to lift grassroots women and strengthen small businesses.
Senator Tinubu announced a ₦200 million package for 2,000 women traders in Jigawa, with each beneficiary receiving ₦50,000. She said the scheme covers tomato, maize, vegetable sellers and others, not only akara traders, and aims to boost financial independence for women.
Responding to criticisms that the programme targets only akara sellers, the First Lady said the intervention covers a wide range of small-scale traders.
“I heard people talking about akara sellers. It is not only akara sellers. We are supporting tomato sellers, maize sellers, vegetable sellers and many other petty traders. Our goal is to help women grow their businesses and become financially independent,” she said.
Senator Tinubu stressed that empowering women remains a key strategy for reducing poverty, boosting household income and promoting economic growth at the grassroots level.
She added that Nigeria is richly blessed with human and natural resources, assuring that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will continue to implement programmes that improve the welfare of citizens, particularly women and vulnerable groups.
The First Lady also emphasized that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens and called for collective efforts towards national development and prosperity.
In his remarks, the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje, commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her dedication to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians, especially women and low-income earners.
The empowerment programme is part of ongoing efforts by the Renewed Hope Initiative to promote financial inclusion, support micro-enterprises and enhance economic opportunities for women across the country.
The First Lady said women’s empowerment is key to cutting poverty and growing household income. The Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje, commended her efforts. She added that the programme is under the Renewed Hope Initiative to promote financial inclusion and micro-enterprises.
