No fewer than 250 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ebonyi have received N200,000 each from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the first lady, Oluremi Tinubu.

The beneficiaries also received one bag of rice each.

Mrs Tinubu, represented by Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, wife of the Ebonyi governor, on Wednesday, inaugurated the empowerment in Abakaliki.

She said the economic empowerment scheme of the RHI, under its Social Investment programme, was launched to provide essential needs for PWDs.

The president’s wife noted that the event was significant as the world marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The 2025 theme is: “Fostering Disability Inclusive Society for Advancing Social Progress.”

She said in addition, the special school for the blind in the state would also receive N1 million with five 25kg bags of rice.

“Today, PWDs benefited from the RHI programme in the state and across the country.

“The governing board has resolved to mark the economic empowerment programme for PWDs as an annual event and in commemoration of the day.

“RHI provided N200,000 business recapitalisation grant to 250 PWDs in the state to support more business owners and strengthen means of livelihood.

“Also, each state of the federation, defence and police officers’ wives association will receive N50m to distribute to beneficiaries in their domain,” she said.

She explained that the programme aligned with the RHI of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at promoting inclusive growth among citizens.

In her remarks, Mrs Nwifuru, also the state coordinator of RHI, represented by Felicia Nwankpuma, commissioner for women affairs and social development, commended the wife of the president on the programme.

Mrs Nwifuru said the state government had aligned with its “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda of the state government and her pet project, the BERWO foundation, to assist the vulnerable groups in the state.

“The 2025 theme speaks directly to commitments of the state government that places priority on inclusion, protection and empowerment.

“For inclusion and equality, let us use the celebration to strengthen our resolve for the group,” Mrs Nwifuru said.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Chieme Odumegwu, state chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, appreciated Mrs Tinubu for the gesture and described it as kindness and passion for the group.

Ms Odumegwu appealed to the state government to assent to the “disability rights law” to prohibit discrimination against PWDs in all areas of life.

(NAN)