First Lady empowers 1000 traders in Kaduna

The Federal Government has empowered 1000 women petty traders in Kaduna State under the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme.

Under the initiative, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu disbursed N50,000 to 1000 petty traders to boost their businesses.

Speaking at the Umaru Yar’adua hall in Kaduna on Thursday, Oluremi said that a total sum of 1.8 billion Naira has been earmarked for petty traders across the country under the initiative.

According to her, “This event is taking place simultaneously across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

“We are all aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of our local economies.

These challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your courage and resilience that keep you going, to put food on the table for your families.”

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“The grants provided today is to assist our women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute more robustly to our economy,” she said.

“We recognize that empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and nation prosper.

“To the 1000 women petty traders who are the beneficiaries of this programme, I say, you are the heart of our local economies, the foundation of our communities, and the unsung heroes of our nation.

“You have shown incredible resilience in overcoming countless challenges to build your businesses. Today, we celebrate your hardwork and determination.”

Meanwhile, in his response, the Kaduna Governor, Senator Uba Sani commended the First Lady for the Initiative.

“It is a clear demonstration of her commitment to the upliftment of women and enhancement of their dignity,” he said.

“Women are hardworking, enterprising, innovative and resilient. They are the backbone of many families. They play a critical role in Agriculture. Women are key players in Nano, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. With very little, a woman can turn a business around.

“The main impediment to women’s progress in business and other endeavors however remains lack of “start-up capital” or funds for expansion.”

Sani who was represented at the occasion by the Chief of Staff, Liman Kila rsaid, “We are today sowing the seeds for the economic empowerment of our women. Today’s event will have a trickle-down effect. When you empower a woman, you empower a family, community, State and Nation.

“The economic empowerment of women is a key priority of our administration. We have been giving soft loans to women to expand their micro-businesses.”