By Oluseyi Olarinde
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled a new round of financial empowerment for persons with disabilities, PWDs, in Oyo State under the nationwide Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme, held to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The event, held at the Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, took place simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
A total of 250 persons with disabilities in Oyo State received ₦200,000 each as business recapitalization grants, while the state also received a ₦50 million support fund for wider distribution within its disability community.
Represented in Ibadan by the wife of the Oyo State governor, Chief Tamunominini Makinde, Senator Tinubu said the initiative demonstrated the government’s commitment to building an economy that gives every Nigerian a sense of belonging.
“Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully,” she said.
She announced that 9,500 persons with disabilities nationwide would receive a total of ₦1.9 billion, describing it as one of the largest empowerment interventions targeted at Nigerians with disabilities.
Quoting American disability rights advocate Helen Keller, she added, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. A truly inclusive society is built when we stand together and create opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts.”
Senator Tinubu emphasised that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth, social protection, and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable Nigerians.
She highlighted earlier RHI interventions, noting that more than 100,000 petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, had received direct cash grants over the past two years.
“Our Social Investment Programmes have supported victims of floods, communal clashes, disasters, the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes,” she said. “Through our Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, food items have been delivered to 22 states and the FCT. We remain committed to doing even more.”
She further announced that the RHI Governing Board had approved that the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities will now hold annually on December 3.
Senator Tinubu also expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and his wife, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, for their continued support for disability inclusion.
In his welcome address, Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to inclusive governance.
“Today reminds us that disability is not inability. Every individual, regardless of physical or cognitive differences, possesses immense value,” he said.
He noted that the state maintains a deliberate quota system across education, health, employment, infrastructure, and social welfare to prevent the marginalisation of persons with disabilities.
“The Agency for Persons with Disabilities remains a hub for policy implementation, empowerment, and advocacy. Our goal is a state where every person can thrive without barriers,” Mr. Adekanmbi added.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Kayode Lawal thanked the First Lady and the government for the support, promising that recipients would use the funds responsibly to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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