First Lady Remi Tinubu launches nationwide empowerment for 37,000 Women
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has launched a nationwide empowerment programme for 37,000 women petty traders.
Speaking at the inauguration of the scheme on Thursday in Kaduna, she said the programme was geared towards economic empowerment and poverty alleviation.
Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme was aimed at supporting 37,000 women petty traders across the nation.
Speaking on behalf of the first lady, Hajiya Laila Bara’u, wife of the Deputy Senate President, emphasised the crucial role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the resilience of women entrepreneurs in driving local economies.
“We are all aware of the challenges faced by SMEs, especially petty traders who form the backbone of our local economies.
“These challenges have not deterred the strength of our women,” she added.
Tinubu reiterated that economic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative, aligning with the broader economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one.
”When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and nation prosper,” she added.
The first lady also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the RHI State Coordinators, First Ladies of various states, and all the stakeholders involved in making the programme a reality, commending their efforts in identifying and supporting the traders
In his goodwill message, Gov. Uba Sani,
represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Kila, lauded the initiative as a significant step towards uplifting women and enhancing their dignity.
“This capitalisation grant for 1,000 women petty traders in Kaduna State is a step in the right direction.
“Today, we are sowing seeds for the economic empowerment of our women.
”When you empower a woman, you empower a family, community, state, and nation.”
Sani explained the state’s ongoing efforts to support women entrepreneurs through soft loans and emphasised the importance of inclusion in technology for economic progress.
“Our administration recognises the strategic role of ICT in driving economic growth and improving lives.
”Through the state’s partnership with Google Africa for the ArewaTech4Ladies Skills Development Project, we have empowered 3,500 women and girls with skills in data science, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurial applications of digital technologies.”
In her remarks,Hajiya Hafsat Sani, wife of the governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Shizzer Bada, praised the RHI for its comprehensive approach to addressing critical societal needs.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative has brought hope to women and their families,”she said
According to her ,the strategic initiative, with its targeted approach of creating jobs, improving healthcare, advancing agriculture, and alleviating poverty, is exactly what the country needs at this moment
She emphasised the transformative impact of the grants, stating that they will help recapitalise existing businesses, strengthen and expand women’s enterprises, and ultimately change lives for the better.
“Women petty traders with no hope of getting support have been given hope today.
”Changing the lives of women means changing families and the nation,” Sani said.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports the programme was unveiled simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It provides grants of ₦50,000 each to 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders in each state.
NAN further reports,the total disbursement amounts to ₦1.85 billion, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for Nigerian families.(NAN)
The Sultan made the announcement in a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Friday, confirming the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan in various parts of the country.
He stated that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across Nigeria.
“After due verification and authentication by the National Moon Sighting Committee, as well as confirmations from state committees, the new moon of Ramadan was officially recognised, marking the end of Sha’aban 1446 AH.
“In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Saturday, March 1,” the Sultan declared.
He urged Muslim faithful to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT) throughout the holy month and to use this period to pray for prevailing peace across the country and also pray for the leaders.
Additionally, the Sultan encouraged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged, emphasising the importance of religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians.
He prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the leaders in their commitment to leading the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, refers to abstinent from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset with the intention of worshiping Almighty Allah.
NAN also reports that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period during which adult Muslims observe compulsory fasting from dawn to sunset for a complete month. (NAN)
News
Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and maltreatment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, he said the allegations are grave and deserve to be investigated.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections affirmed that the Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people.
“Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve,” he said.
Atiku noted that as the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.
“As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation — not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles,” Atiku stated.
He admonished that the handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect,” Atiku concluded.
News
Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, The wife of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, has strongly refuted the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), describing them as entirely false and unfounded.
In a statement to journalists on Friday, Mrs. Akpabio defended her husband’s character, describing him as a disciplined and respectful individual, known for his good humor and deep respect for women.
She stressed that the allegations were baseless and did not reflect the true nature of her husband, asserting that they were a misrepresentation of the man she knows.
The allegations were initially raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claimed that her challenges in the Senate began after she turned down inappropriate advances from Senator Akpabio.
Mrs. Akpabio quickly dismissed these accusations, emphasizing the longstanding cordial relationship between both families. She firmly rejected the notion that any such incident took place, asserting that it was merely a product of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s imagination.
Recalling the events of December 8, 2023—the date the alleged incident supposedly occurred—Mrs. Akpabio pointed out that she had been present at their family residence on that day. She also stressed the enduring relationship between their families, which had existed long before Natasha’s marriage, further underlining the improbability of the allegations.
Moreover, Mrs. Akpabio praised her husband’s track record in championing women’s participation in governance, citing his unwavering support for female inclusion long before he became Senate President.
In a stern message, she urged women to avoid making unfounded accusations and vowed to pursue legal action to address the matter.