LagosExplorer reports: In a bold move to strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship among Nigerian women, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra State Governor, have jointly empowered 1,000 indigent women across Anambra with seed grants of ₦50,000 each. The disbursement took place at the Government House in Awka on Wednesday, August , 2025.
The initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)—a flagship social intervention program of Senator Tinubu focused on empowering women and youth—delivered in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation. While the project was initially structured to support 500 women per state, Dr. Soludo contributed additional funds in Anambra, doubling the reach to 1,000 beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Nonye Soludo said:
> “This economic empowerment is about supporting the entrepreneurial spirits of our women. By empowering women in their various crafts, we are not only enhancing their well-being but also promoting economic growth and sustainability in their homes.
It is a notable fact that when you empower a woman, you have empowered a family. I want to thank the wife of the president of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for constantly thinking of how to help women across Nigeria.”
> “It is not a loan, it is a renewed seed to enable you to invest in your business to make it more sustainable. I thank the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which donated N1bn for 500 women in each of the 36 states of the country.”
To ensure the seed capital is preserved for business use, an additional ₦7,000 transport allowance was disbursed to each recipient. Women living with disabilities also received wheelchairs to enhance their mobility and inclusion.
The empowerment drive comes at a time when many small-scale business owners—particularly women—face challenges due to inflation, limited access to credit, and economic hardship. For most of the beneficiaries, who are market women, artisans, and low-income earners, the ₦50,000 grant is more than a handout—it is a lifeline.
Empowering women at the microenterprise level is increasingly recognized as one of the most impactful economic policies. Studies show that women reinvest a significant portion of their income in their families and communities—multiplying the effects of every naira they earn.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation, known for its track record in supporting African entrepreneurs, provided ₦1 billion in funding, enabling 500 women in each state to benefit from the initiative. The extension to 1,000 women in Anambra sets a precedent that other states may follow.