Borno State First Lady, Dr. Falmata Zulum
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri–
Borno State First Lady, Dr. Falmata Zulum, on behalf of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme, tagged: “Recapitalization Grants”, for 5,000 women petty traders affected by flood disaster in Maiduguri city.
The event was held on Tuesday at the multipurpose hall if the Government House Maiduguri.
In her remarks, Dr. Zulum expressed her joy and fulfillment in witnessing the empowerment of vulnerable women whose businesses and livelihoods were disrupted by the flood disaster each of the 5000 women with go home with N50,000 cash grant.
She emphasized that the initiative reflected on the Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI) commitment to supporting displaced and economically disadvantaged women.
The programme provided ₦50,000 each to 5,000 women, amounting to a total of ₦250 million as financial support to empower the women engage in self reliant petty businesses.
According to her, the initiative was aimed at helping women restart their businesses, regain economic independence, and contribute to rebuilding their communities.
She further expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady and the National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for her unwavering support for the people of Borno State.
She reiterated that this programme goes beyond financial assistance—it is about restoring dignity, hope, and self-reliance among the beneficiaries.
In her welcome address, the Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Zuwaira Gambo, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a transformative journey for the 5,000 women traders affected by the floods.
She commended the collaboration between RHI and the Borno State Government, which reflected a strong commitment to addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable women and communities.
She further praised the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, stating that his continued support for initiatives like this creates an enabling environment for sustainable development.
This programme aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and Governor Zulum’s efforts to support vulnerable groups and enhance economic resilience in Borno State.
