The second edition of the Traders Empowerment Programme, organized by the Renewed Hope Initiative in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, was held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Office of the First Lady of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba.
In her opening remarks, the wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to empowering women, describing women empowerment as a key driver of economic growth in Delta State.
She encouraged women to see the money as seed capital to expand their businesses, stabilize household income and empower local entrepreneurs, stressing that when women are supported, families and entire communities are strengthened.
First Lady of Nigeria and convener of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, wife of Delta State Governor, commended the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its generous support of ₦1 billion towards the empowerment of women and traders, describing it as a landmark investment in strengthening families and building the nation’s economy.
She noted that future editions of the programme would include more categories of beneficiaries, such as persons with special needs, to ensure inclusivity and wider impact.
The program empowered 1,000 women petty traders with N50,000, including Arewa women, members of the Police Wives Association, journalists, and other grassroots groups.
Chief (Mrs.) Evelyn Amirah, Special Assistant on Women Empowerment to Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the initiative is not just about financial support but also about long-term investment in families and communities, thereby reinforcing the government’s commitment to grassroots economic resilience.
