Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a N100 million grant aimed at empowering 2,000 petty traders in Benue State, with a special focus on women entrepreneurs.
The First Lady made the announcement on Tuesday during the inauguration of a Community Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre in Ihugh, the hometown of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, located in Vandeikya Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of ICT in driving community development and economic empowerment, particularly for women and young people. She noted that digital knowledge provides access to new opportunities and enhances educational and economic prospects in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
According to her, the grant is being provided through the Renewed Hope Initiative to support women engaged in small-scale trading activities.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative on our part will present a N50 million grant to 1,000 women in Vandeikya, and an additional N50 million to support 1,000 women in Makurdi and environs to recapitalise their existing businesses, which is a total of N100 million to empower 2,000 women engaged in petty trading,” she said.
Governor Hyacinth Alia commended the First Lady for her unwavering commitment to the welfare of women, youths, children, and vulnerable groups across the country. He described Senator Tinubu as a mother and a true friend of Benue State whose interventions have continued to positively impact lives through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The governor also announced that the newly inaugurated Community ICT Centre would be named after Mama Lucy Aluor in recognition of her contributions.
Highlighting the significance of the facility, Governor Alia stated that the ICT centre would promote digital literacy, equip young people with employable skills, bridge the digital divide, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and prepare residents to compete effectively in the evolving digital economy.
The inauguration and grant announcement are expected to boost economic activities among beneficiaries while expanding access to digital education and skills development in Benue State.
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