To mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 250 people with disabilities in Abia State have each received a N200,000 business support grant under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme.
The RHI Economic Empowerment Programme was launched on Wednesday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia. The goal is to help strengthen small businesses owned by people with disabilities across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu represented by the Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti said the programme is an important step toward building an inclusive society where everyone has the chance to contribute.
She explained that the programme was launched at the same time in all 36 states, the FCT, and in the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Associations.
According to her, 250 persons with disabilities in each state and the FCT will receive N200,000 each to support their businesses. This adds up to N1.9 billion and will benefit 9,500 people nationwide. The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Associations will also receive N50 million to help support their members.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the initiative supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to promote inclusive growth and ensure no Nigerian is left behind, especially those with special needs.
She advised the beneficiaries to use the money wisely to grow strong, sustainable businesses. She also thanked Governor Alex Otti and his wife for supporting the disability community in Abia State.
The Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission, Mr. David Anyaele, said the grant is more than just financial help. He described it as an investment in dignity, economic inclusion, and independence. He praised Governor Otti for removing barriers faced by persons with disabilities and urged the federal government to adopt similar inclusive policies.
