Wife of the president Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has promised to empower 37, 000 petty traders across the country as a way of cushioning the effect of the economic difficulty on women.
Tinubu made the pledge Friday in Enugu, when she declared open this year’s August Meeting organised by the Wife of the Enugu state governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah.
She said through her Renewed Hope Initiative Women Economic Empowerment, 1, 000 petty traders in each state of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, would be supported.
Tinubu, represented by the wife of the vice-president, Hajia Nana Shettima, said, “Our women will be supported with N50, 000 each to recapitalise and support their businesses.
“Through the Renewed Hope initiative, we are working tirelessly toward a better life for families.
“The scope of our programmes covers education, social investment programmes, agriculture, health and economic empowerment.
“In economic empowerment, we have provided women with ICT training to improve digital skills.
“In education, we have provided scholarships to our children and youths across the country with the opportunity to study abroad.
“Also, in agriculture, we have supported our women farmers with fertilisers and farming implements.
“Under our social investment programme, assorted food items are moving from one state to another.”
She said the August Meeting had made a significant impact over the years and provided a vital platform for mothers, daughters and sisters to address pressing societal issues.
She described the theme of the meeting, “Eliminating abuse to foster a healthy society,” as a clarion call to action, adding that abuse in all forms must be eradicated.
“Every individual has the right to safety, free from physical, domestic, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, material, modern slavery and discrimination.
“We must speak up against abuse, try to dialogue responsibly and work together to foster a sense of empathy, compassion towards one another,” she said.
Earlier, in an address of welcome, Mbah said August Meeting “is a cherished tradition in Enugu state that gathers and unites women from all corners of the state to share knowledge, experiences, and aspirations.”
She further said through her Custos Care Foundation, women across the three senatorial zones of the state had been empowered while the issue of maternal and child mortality were being addressed.
“In line with our commitment to uplift the lives of our women, we are pleased to announce that empowerment packages will be given to indigent women during this year’s meeting.
“The packages are designed to provide support and resources to those who most need them, helping them to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to their families and society,” she said. (NAN)