First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has disbursed N50,000 business grants to 500 small businesswomen in Katsina State.

The disbursement of the small business recapitisation grants, held in Katsina on Monday, was designed to promote economic development at the grassroots level.

Disbursing the cash, the wife of the state governor, Zulaihat Radda, said the occasion carried deep meaning for the people.

“This programme has been rolled out across states of the federation to ensure that hardworking women and families are given the support they need to build a better tomorrow.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They sustain households, educate children, provide services, and create jobs.

“Yet, too often, they struggle to access the capital required to grow, compete, and withstand economic shocks. Sadly, enterprises owned by women are the most affected,” she said.

According to her, it was in recognition of this reality that the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a pet project of the First Lady, was established.

She said that through this initiative, women across the country have received mentorship training and access to resources that have helped them transition from small roadside trading into successful and sustainable businesses.

“Today, with this recapitalisation grant, we’re building on that progress by giving many more women the opportunity to strengthen their enterprises and expand their dreams,” Mrs Radda said.

According to her, the beneficiaries’ success will be the evidence that empowerment works, and their stories will encourage others to believe in their own potential.

One of the beneficiaries, Amina Abbas from Batsari Local Government Area, commended Mrs Tinubu and the governor’s wife for the gesture.

(NAN)