By Zainab Faruk
The First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has flagged off the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Bauchi, with a call on women to use the opportunity to grow their businesses and strengthen their families.
Speaking at the event, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Mohammed explained that the programme was aimed at supporting women traders and small-scale entrepreneurs who contribute significantly to household and community development. She stressed that the support was not a loan but a grant meant to recapitalize existing businesses.
“When you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed a nation,” the First Lady said.
She commended the Tony Elumelu Foundation for donating One Billion Naira to the Renewed Hope Initiative to support 18,500 women nationwide. From the donation, 500 women in each of the 36 states and the FCT are to receive ₦50,000 each, with some of the preselected Bauchi beneficiaries presented with their cash grants at the event.
The Bauchi First Lady also announced a separate empowerment initiative targeting Fulani communities across all the 20 local government areas of the state and within Bauchi metropolis, totaling 25 groups. Under the scheme, 21 groups will receive ₦300,000 each, amounting to ₦6.3 million, in addition to 125 bags of rice and 26 bags of fertilizer.
On her part, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Zainab Babantakko, described the programme as a landmark initiative that reflects the power of partnership and the strength of women.
She noted that the grant was designed to serve as seed capital that would grow into thriving businesses, supporting families, creating jobs, and inspiring communities.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Women Affairs and the good people of Bauchi State, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Renewed Hope Initiative and the Tony Elumelu Foundation for their vision and generosity. I also commend our First Lady for her unwavering commitment to the upliftment of women in Bauchi State and beyond,” Hajiya Babantakko said.
The Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to use the support judiciously, reminding them that the present administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed accords priority to women and the less privileged through various empowerment and welfare programmes.
“To our women beneficiaries, I urge you to let this opportunity mark the beginning of a new chapter of financial independence, innovation, and prosperity in your lives,” she added.
The event was attended by top government officials, wives of political office holders, and hundreds of beneficiaries who expressed gratitude for the support.