In a significant demonstration of her commitment to grassroots development, economic empowerment, and social inclusion, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has empowered 1,000 petty traders, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), in Karonmajigi Community, Abuja.
The humanitarian support and empowerment programme, held on Saturday, brought hope and relief to hundreds of beneficiaries, particularly women, vulnerable groups, and persons with disabilities striving to improve their livelihoods amid prevailing economic challenges.
Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady announced that 1,000 petty traders from the community would each receive a cash grant of N50,000 to support and expand their businesses.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Hajiya Shettima said the intervention was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians and creating sustainable opportunities for vulnerable populations.
According to her, the empowerment programme aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic growth, social protection, and inclusive development across the country.
“In recognition of your support and to further enhance livelihoods within the community, the First Lady had earlier this week sent several empowerment items to Karonmajigi Community,” she stated.
The donated items included 39 sewing machines, 13 grinding machines, 35 water pumping machines, 45 hair dryers, 16 power tillers, and five Keke trucks, all aimed at boosting entrepreneurship, agricultural productivity, and self-reliance among community members.
“In addition, I am pleased to inform you that today, 1,000 petty traders in Karonmajigi Community will each receive N50,000 to support and expand their existing businesses,” she added.
The event attracted a large turnout of residents, including women, youths, traditional leaders, persons with disabilities, and political stakeholders. During the programme, both children and adults openly expressed their appreciation for the administration’s interventions, chanting support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re-election bid in 2027.
The First Lady reassured residents that Karonmajigi and other rural communities within the Federal Capital Territory would continue to benefit from government interventions aimed at improving living standards and expanding opportunities.
She further revealed that the construction of a brand-new secondary school in Karonmajigi was nearing completion and would soon be commissioned, a development expected to significantly improve access to quality education for young people in the area.
“This important project will expand access to quality education and provide greater opportunities for our young people. We thank you for your continuous support and cooperation, and we encourage you to continue working together for the peace, progress, and development of this community and our nation,” she said.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the initiative as a clear reflection of the compassionate and people-centered approach of the Tinubu administration.
She emphasized that the programme underscores the government’s determination to prioritize the welfare, inclusion, and empowerment of all Nigerians, especially vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.
“It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of appreciation that I join distinguished guests, community leaders, and beneficiaries at this remarkable event marking the empowerment of physically challenged persons under the leadership and compassionate vision of our dear First Lady,” Dr. Mahmoud stated.
She noted that the intervention sends a powerful message that persons with disabilities are valued members of society whose contributions are essential to national development.
“This noble intervention reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in our collective quest for national development. Through initiatives such as this, countless lives are being transformed, and opportunities are being created for individuals to realize their full potential,” she added.
The District Head of Karonmajigi Community, Alhaji Yunusa Abdullahi, expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu, the First Lady, and their team for fulfilling promises made today the community.
According to the traditional ruler, the government’s investment in human capacity development, entrepreneurship, and community infrastructure demonstrates a genuine commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“This government’s action reflects its investment in human capacity, self-reliance, and sustainable development. This empowerment sends a strong message that every Nigerian, regardless of physical condition, has a valuable role to play in nation-building,” he said.
Alhaji Abdullahi also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the developmental projects being executed across communities, describing them as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Similarly, women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) applauded the First Lady for consistently championing initiatives that support women, vulnerable groups, and persons with disabilities.
They pledged continued support for the administration and expressed confidence that Nigerian women, including women with disabilities, would continue to play a crucial role in promoting national development and democratic participation.
One of the beneficiaries, Ester Aku, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady for remembering the community and extending support to vulnerable residents.
While appreciating the cash grant and empowerment materials, she appealed for additional interventions, particularly in the areas of healthcare services, accessible accommodation, and social support for less privileged persons, especially Persons with Disabilities.
“We are grateful for this assistance and for remembering us. However, we still need more support in healthcare and accommodation, especially for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of society,” she said.
The empowerment programme once again highlighted the growing emphasis on disability inclusion, women’s empowerment, and community development under the Renewed Hope Initiative, while providing practical support that is expected to strengthen small businesses, improve household incomes, and enhance the quality of life for beneficiaries in Karonmajigi Community and beyond.
For many residents, particularly Persons with Disabilities and petty traders, the intervention represents more than financial assistance—it symbolizes recognition, inclusion, and renewed hope for a brighter and more prosperous future.
