RHI, Foundation launch N25m business recapitalisation grant for 500 women in FCT

*Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, FCT Coordinator of Renewed Hope Initiative, explains how the N25 million grant will be disbursed to beneficiaries under the RHI/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) with support from the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has unveiled a N25 million Recapitilisation Grant for 500 women in Abuja, FCT.

Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, RHI Coordinator in FCT, who disclosed this at the event Monday, October 6, 2025, in Abuja, explained the grant would be disbursed to beneficiaries under the RHI/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme.

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Benjamins-Laniyi, who is also the pioneer Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, said that 500 women would benefit from the grant in the FCT, agency report said.

The FCT Coordinator of RHI commended Tony Elumelu Foundation for generously donating a billion Naira to the initiative.

This significant contribution will benefit 18,500 women across the country, 500 women each from the 36 states and the FCT, said Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi.

She equally explained that each of the 18,500 women would receive N50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalise their micro businesses.

The RHI Director noted: “I have the privilege of presenting N50,000 each to some of the preselected 500 beneficiaries here in the FCT, amounting to N25 million.

“This support is a testament to the power of collaboration and generosity, and I hope it inspires others across our nation to join in uplifting women entrepreneurs.”

Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi also stated: “As we launch the Renewed Hope Initiative/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme in the FCT, let us remember that together, we are planting seeds of prosperity for our communities and our nation.”

On goals of Women Economic Empowerment Programme

Regarding the overarching objective of the empowerment programme, she said the initiative aims to uplift women traders and small-scale business owners in the FCT, and the entire country.

Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi averred: “Those who rise each day with determination to provide for their families, educate their children, and strengthen our communities.

“Today, we are taking concrete steps to support and expand their efforts.”

The Director stated: “It is important to clarify that what we are offering is not a loan, but a grant seed of renewed hope designed to help you recapitalise and expand your existing businesses.

“We firmly believe that empowering women means empowering households, communities, and indeed, our entire nation.”

Benjamins-Laniyi therefore, restated the commitment of the FCT Administration, led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud to the success of the RHI programmes in the FCT.

Also speaking, Hajia Salamatu Jubril, FCT Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), lauded the First Lady and Benjamins-Laniyi for their dedication to women’s economic empowerment, report said.

Likewise, Hajia Hadiza Umar, Leader of the National Council for Women’s Societies FCT Chapter, commended the bold step of Benjamins-Laniyi to reach-out to widows, youths, and the less-privileged across the six area councils of the FCT.

Ms. Angela Elube, one of the beneficiaries, expressed profound gratitude for the support.

Elube said the grant would significantly boost the beneficiaries’ small businesses in the FCT.

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