Calabar, Nigeria – In a major effort to promote women’s economic empowerment, 500 women across Cross River State have received essential business equipment through a collaborative initiative between the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Renewed Hope Initiative.
At a distribution event held at the Calabar International Conference Center, beneficiaries were presented with 150 deep freezers, 150 gas cookers, 10 generators, and 100 grinding machines. The recipients were drawn from various wards across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady of Nigeria and President of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, represented by the Wife of the Cross River State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Bishop Dr. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, described the empowerment program as a strategic investment in grassroots development and women’s financial independence.
She emphasized that the initiative is closely aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritizes inclusivity, economic development, and sustainable growth. Senator Tinubu highlighted that empowering women is key to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Encouraging the beneficiaries to maximize the use of the equipment, she expressed hope that the items would help build thriving businesses and improve the standard of living for the recipients and their families.
Representing the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Dr. Ifeanyiwa Ukaegbu said the initiative directly supports several SDGs, including No Poverty (SDG 1), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).
Dr. Ukaegbu stressed the significant contributions of women entrepreneurs to Nigeria’s economic development through job creation, poverty reduction, and family support. She urged the beneficiaries to leverage the opportunity for financial independence and sustainable growth.
Several of the recipients expressed gratitude for the empowerment, noting the transformative potential of the tools for expanding their small businesses and improving their families’ welfare.
The program is part of ongoing national efforts to boost women’s economic participation and fast-track the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through collaborative community-fo
cused initiatives.
