By Fatima Sadiq
The First Lady of Gombe State, Hajiya Dr. Asmau Inuwa Yahaya, has launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), in line with the nationwide rollout marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The programme, implemented simultaneously across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and DEPOWA, underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening inclusion and equal opportunities for all citizens.
During the event, the Gombe First Lady announced that 250 Persons with Disabilities in the state will receive N200,000 each as Business Recapitalization Grants to support the growth and sustainability of their small businesses.
She commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for championing initiatives that uplift vulnerable groups through grants, food support and interventions in education, agriculture, health and social welfare. She also highlighted the RHI’s wide-reaching impact in supporting women, petty traders and persons with disabilities nationwide.
The First Lady reaffirmed the commitment of the Gombe State Government to promoting inclusion, adding that the annual observance of the programme on December 3 would further strengthen support mechanisms for PWDs in the state. She also urged beneficiaries to utilise the grants responsibly to build sustainable businesses that improve their livelihoods and those of their families.
In her welcome address, the wife of the ALGON Chairman, Hajiya Aishatu Usman, applauded the initiative for restoring dignity, hope and opportunity to persons living with disabilities.
Goodwill messages from stakeholders also acknowledged the programme’s significance. The APC Women Leader, Hajiya Limbo Abubakar, described it as a clear demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda, while the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Adamu Ishaku, expressed appreciation on behalf of the disability community, noting the practical value of the grants.
The APC Leader for Persons Living with Disabilities, Abdulsalam Bakari, also commended the First Lady for prioritizing inclusion and empowering PWDs to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Beneficiaries described the support as life-changing and prayed for continued wisdom and strength for the First Lady as she advances her humanitarian efforts.
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