First Lady empowers 2,500 Imo women, adds N100,000 cash to beneficiaries
By Emmanuel Iheaka
OWERRI — First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has appealed to voters in the South-East to support the re-election of her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the 2027 presidential election.
The First Lady said she wanted to enjoy a better Nigeria in her old age, adding that both she and the President were working to improve the country.
Mrs Tinubu made the appeal on Wednesday in Owerri, Imo State capital, during her official visit to the South-East to empower women.
“Make una vote for Mr President, we go work for una and Nigeria go better.
“I want to enjoy Nigeria at old age, so I will work for Nigeria, for my old age,” she said.
The First Lady said the empowerment programme was being implemented through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, and would benefit 18,500 women across the country when completed.
She said 500 women from each of the five South-East states would receive various items, including generators, industrial grinding machines, gas cylinders and ovens, to support their businesses.
However, she disclosed that Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, had provided additional empowerment items for 2,000 women in the state, bringing the total number of beneficiaries in Imo to 2,500.
In response to the governor’s gesture, Tinubu announced an additional N100,000 cash support for each beneficiary of the empowerment programme.
She said the initiative was designed to recognise the role of women in nation-building and economic development.
“Recognising the typical role women play in nation building, this is in line with the agenda of Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises economic growth and sustainable development for all Nigerians, particularly women,” she said.
Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to use the resources judiciously to improve their livelihoods and support their families.
“Let it serve as a foundation for creating a better life for you and your family,” she said.
In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma commended the First Lady for her contributions to nation-building and her commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.
The governor said the people of Imo State appreciated what he described as the President’s performance and would support his re-election in 2027.
Uzodimma also commended the Federal Government for the empowerment programme, saying it was aimed at promoting the dignity and economic empowerment of women.
He said the people of Imo had observed the Federal Government’s infrastructural and developmental interventions in the state.
“Let him know that Imo people are happy with him, that we are happy with his performance. Let him know that he is doing very well, that we stand with him and that we deeply appreciate his resolute commitment to a stronger, more prosperous, safer and more united Nigeria,” Uzodimma said.
He pledged the support of the people of the state for President Tinubu in the 2027 election.
“I assure you that we will reciprocate this love. We will stand firmly behind our beloved President in January 2027. We will speak with one united, unequivocal voice to stand by those who have consistently stood by us,” he said.
The First Lady was also conferred with the chieftaincy title of Osodieme by the traditional institution in Imo State.
