By Blessing Chinagorom
The Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a major empowerment drive for women in the South-East, presenting business equipment and ₦250 million in financial support to beneficiaries across the region.
The initiative, held in Owerri, is designed to help women start new businesses or expand existing ones. The items distributed include deep freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators and industrial grinding machines.
Senator Tinubu said empowered women are central to the wellbeing of families and the prosperity of society. She urged the beneficiaries to use the support wisely and turn it into sustainable income for themselves and their families.
“Let these items serve as a foundation for creating a better life for yourselves and your families,” she said, expressing hope that the resources would prosper in their hands.
The programme targets 500 women in each of the five South-East states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo—as part of a nationwide plan to empower 18,500 women across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
In Imo State, the number of beneficiaries was increased after the state government provided an additional 2,000 empowerment items. Senator Tinubu commended the gesture and encouraged other governors to follow suit.
She said the programme supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly gender equality, decent work and economic growth.
Earlier, the First Lady was honoured with the chieftaincy title Oso Di Eme of Imo, meaning “one who supports her husband.” The title was conferred by the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers in recognition of her role in advancing policies of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Senator Tinubu also urged Nigerians to continue trusting the administration, saying the country was emerging from its economic difficulties and moving steadily towards prosperity.
