A total of 500 women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have benefited from a ₦25 million recapitalisation grant under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) led by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The grant was facilitated through a partnership between RHI and the Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme, aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs across the country.
Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony held in Abuja on Monday, the RHI Coordinator for the FCT, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, explained that 18,500 women nationwide—including 500 from each of the 36 states and the FCT—are set to benefit from the initiative.
Benjamins-Laniyi, who also serves as the pioneer Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, praised the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its ₦1 billion donation to the empowerment scheme.
She noted that each selected beneficiary would receive ₦50,000 to boost and recapitalise their businesses.
“Today, I have the privilege of presenting ₦50,000 each to 500 pre-selected beneficiaries in the FCT, amounting to ₦25 million. This support reflects the strength of collaboration and generosity, and we hope it encourages others nationwide to uplift women entrepreneurs,” she said.
The coordinator described the programme as a strategic effort to empower women traders and small business owners, enabling them to grow their enterprises and support their families.
“For those who wake up each day with determination to provide for their families, educate their children, and strengthen their communities, we are taking concrete steps to expand your efforts. This is not a loan but a grant—a seed of renewed hope to recapitalise and grow your businesses. Empowering women means empowering households, communities, and the entire nation,” she added.
Benjamins-Laniyi reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike and Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to the success of the RHI programmes within the territory.