First Lady Disburses N50m to Osun Traders

Renewed Hope Initiative reached 1,000 petty traders in Ile-Ife as First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu distributed business grants to support their livelihoods.

The empowerment programme took place on Wednesday at Kensington Hall, Ooni’s Palace, in Ile-Ife, where N50 million was shared among 1,000 petty traders. Each beneficiary received N50,000 under the Renewed Hope Initiative to help strengthen and expand their businesses.

Represented by Alhaja Kudirat Fakokunde, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader in Osun, the First Lady urged recipients to invest the grant wisely. She explained that the programme was created to improve the beneficiaries’ economic well-being while supporting the welfare of their families through sustainable business growth.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Sekinat Oyebamiji, wife of the APC governorship candidate in Osun, encouraged the traders to make good use of the financial support by investing it in their businesses. Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, appealed to residents of Ile-Ife to support the APC governorship candidate in the August 15 governorship election and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised the First Lady for the initiative, describing it as timely and capable of improving the lives of petty traders across communities. He said the Renewed Hope Initiative demonstrates the administration’s commitment to supporting the less privileged and stressed that genuine empowerment should focus on those who truly need assistance. The monarch also assured that every verified beneficiary would receive the grant and urged recipients to use the funds responsibly to grow their businesses. The Renewed Hope Initiative continues to provide financial support aimed at strengthening small businesses and improving household incomes.

Do you think grants like this can make a lasting difference for small business owners in Nigeria?