By Amanda Chinyere, Portharcourt
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) across the country with special business grants aimed at strengthening their livelihoods and promoting financial independence, as part of activities marking the 2025 World Disabilities Day,.
The initiative, launched under the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, seeks to uplift vulnerable groups through targeted economic support. The event for Rivers State beneficiaries was held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt, where the First Lady was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara.
Announcing the intervention, Senator Tinubu said the programme was designed to boost the economic well-being of the beneficiaries.
“Today, the Renewed Hope Initiative will provide N200,000 business recapitalisation grants to 250 persons with disabilities in each state and the Federal Capital Territory to support small businesses and strengthen their means of livelihood,” she said.
Lady Fubara described the initiative as a core component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive development and ensures that no citizen is left behind. She noted that, over the past two years, the initiative has supported more than 100,000 women petty traders, small business owners and persons with disabilities through direct financial grants.
She urged PLWDs not to be defined by their physical limitations but to harness their creativity and talents to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society. She added that disability is not a tragedy, but discrimination against PLWDs is, and called on corporate organisations to support efforts to enhance their economic empowerment.
Lady Fubara also thanked the First Lady for her inclusive policies and assured that the Rivers State Government will continue to work with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to improve the welfare of citizens living with disabilities.
Delivering a presentation titled “Protecting PLWD through Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s Health for All Rivers Initiative,” the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr. Vetty Agala, highlighted government policies designed to provide special health coverage for PLWDs.
She noted that grant beneficiaries will be enrolled in the state’s free medical care programme.
Dr. Agala also conferred the Universal Health Coverage Ambassador Award on Lady Valerie Fubara in recognition of her support for health initiatives in the State.
