In a landmark move to uplift vulnerable citizens, Delta State has officially joined the nationwide rollout of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons With Disabilities, launched by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons With Disabilities.
The programme, implemented simultaneously across Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), is aimed at providing financial and material support to persons with disabilities, empowering them to achieve economic independence and social inclusion.
Representing the First Lady in Delta State, the Wife of the Governor and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, led the distribution of N200,000 business recapitalization grants to 250 beneficiaries drawn from across the state.
In addition, each state, including the FCT and DEPOWA, received N50 million for onward distribution to persons with disabilities within their jurisdictions.
Speaking during the national launch, Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasized that inclusive growth strengthens Nigeria, noting that the empowerment programme aligns seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes social investment and opportunities for all citizens.
She stated that a total of 9,500 persons with disabilities nationwide would benefit from N1.9 billion in grants, underscoring the government’s commitment to leaving no one behind.
Delivering her address in Asaba, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori commended the First Lady’s dedication to vulnerable groups, describing persons with disabilities as individuals “full of gifts and potential.”
She encouraged society to demonstrate greater empathy, love, and inclusiveness, while urging beneficiaries to maximize the opportunities provided by the initiative to enhance their livelihoods and economic independence.
As part of the Delta State rollout, Deaconess Oborevwori presented a wheelchair to one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Daniel Nwutu, who expressed profound gratitude to the First Lady.
He explained that the support and mobility aid would significantly improve his business operations, independence, and overall quality of life.
Other beneficiaries described the programme as transformative, offering renewed hope, dignity, and encouragement to persons living with disabilities across the state and the nation.
The RHI Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons With Disabilities has now been institutionalized as an annual initiative, celebrated every December 3rd in line with the United Nations’ International Day of Persons With Disabilities.
Through this initiative, Delta State continues to demonstrate its commitment to social inclusion, empowerment, and the advancement of vulnerable groups, ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
