The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, was, on Wednesday, conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Oso di eme” (a supporter of her husband) by the Council of Imo Traditional Rulers.
The ceremony, which attracted prominent Imo indigenes, took place at the Eze Imo Palace, Owerri.
Tinubu later moved to Hero’s Square, Owerri for the distribution of empowerment items to 500 indigent women to facilitate business startup or expansion under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SA) to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a speech, Tinubu said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda regarding economic growth and sustainable development for all Nigerians.
According to her, empowering women is identified as central to achieving SDG five regarding gender equality.
“The programme also supports SDG eight by promoting decent work and economic growth through female entrepreneurship,” she said.
Tinubu said the empowerment, holding simultaneously across the five South-East states, was first launched in Abuja for the North Central Zone on February 23, 2025, the South-West Zone in August 2025, and South-South Zone in April 2026.
“The total nationwide goal for this specific initiative is to empower 18,500 women,” she said.
She commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma for providing additional empowerment items to support 2,000 women, bringing the total number of beneficiaries in the state to 2,500.
She urged other state governments to emulate Uzodimma’s generous gesture towards women’s economic empowerment.
Tinubu, who looked excited, further announced the addition of N100,000 each to the 2,500 beneficiaries.
She encouraged them to put the funds into judicious use to ensure long-term prosperity for themselves and their families.
Earlier, Uzodimma congratulated the president’s wife on the title bestowed on her, assuring her that it was in acknowledgement of her remarkable contributions to nation-building.
He praised her for her “unwavering commitment to the welfare of every Nigerian, particularly the poor and vulnerable.”
The governor expressed confidence in the president, assuring her that Imo people and the South-East would reciprocate his support to the zone during the Jan. 2027 presidential poll.
Highlighting the impact of the initiative on households and small businesses, Uzodimma said, “when you empower a woman, you empower a nation, and your initiative is a beautiful demonstration.”
Uzodimma’s wife, Chioma, also commended the commitment of the presidency in improving the welfare and living conditions of Nigerians, particularly among the vulnerable groups.
She lauded the president’s wife for her leadership and commitment towards empowering women across the country.
She assured her that Imo remain committed to programmes that promote the welfare, empowerment and development of women and citizens of the state.
The SSA to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, commended Uzodimma for complementing the Federal Government’s intervention with additional support for 2,000 women in the state.
Orelope-Adefulire said the nationwide programme targeted 18,500 vulnerable and hard-to-reach women across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
She explained that the initiative was designed to promote poverty reduction, economic growth and sustainable development by equipping women with the means to establish and expand their businesses.
The event attracted traditional rulers, top government officials, women groups, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders from across the state and the South-East.
themomentng reports that the beneficiaries received items including grinding machines, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and refrigerators, among others, to support business growth.
