This shows that Disability does not diminish value. Everyone deserves a fair chance. And the Renewed Hope Initiative is helping to make that future possible.
At the Women Development Centre in Abakaliki, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and gratitude as 250 persons with disabilities from Ebonyi joined thousands across the 36 states, the FCT and security formations to receive grants aimed at strengthening their small-scale businesses and livelihoods.
The event formed part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Program (RHI-EEP), implemented alongside the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation.
With this year’s theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress” the celebration moved beyond ceremony to practical empowerment, ensuring that persons with disabilities have the resources and visibility they deserve.
A Commitment to Inclusion in Ebonyi
In her welcome address, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Barr. Felicia Nwankpuma, described the day as a powerful reminder of humanity’s shared responsibility to uphold dignity and equality.
She praised Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s unwavering commitment to inclusion through the People’s Charter of Needs, which prioritises protection, empowerment and participation of vulnerable groups.
According to her, the state government has consistently ensured that persons with disabilities are carried along during festive seasons and empowerment drives.
“You are valued. You are important. You are capable,” she told the beneficiaries, reminding them that their resilience enriches the state.
She also commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, whose initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda have expanded access to public services, supported special schools and provided livelihoods for vulnerable families. Through visits to rural special schools, welfare homes, and church-based outreach, Nwankpuma noted that disability groups in Ebonyi are not left out in government programmes.
Representing the First Lady, the Ebonyi State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative and wife of the state governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Ogbonna Nwifuru, described the economic empowerment programme as a landmark intervention.
She highlighted that the initiative is being launched simultaneously in all 36 states, the FCT and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
Mrs Nwifuru explained that: Each state, including the FCT and DEPOWA, is receiving ₦50 million to support persons with disabilities; Each beneficiary receives ₦200,000 to recapitalise or expand their businesses; A total of 9,500 Nigerians will benefit nationwide, amounting to ₦1.9 billion in grants.
Quoting disability advocate Helen Keller, she reminded participants that “alone we can do little, but together we can do much,” stressing that inclusive growth, shared prosperity and collective progress lie at the heart of the Renewed Hope philosophy.
She also noted that the First Lady’s programmes have in the past three years supported over 100,000 women, traders, small business owners and persons with disabilities with direct financial grants, alongside interventions in agriculture, education, health and humanitarian relief.
A Lifeline That Goes Beyond Money
For many of the beneficiaries, the support represents more than capital it is a restoration of confidence.
President of Persons with Disabilities in Ebonyi State, Chieme Franklin, thanked the Federal Government and the Renewed Hope Initiative for the gesture. He urged Governor Nwifuru to assent to the Disability Commission Bill, which he said would institutionalise the rights, protections and opportunities available to the disability community.
“Persons with disabilities are willing and ready to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said. “What we need is a system that recognises our potential and protects our rights.”
Building a Future Where No One Is Left Behind
Beyond the economic empowerment grants, the Renewed Hope Initiative’s collaboration with the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and IDPs Foundation continues to expand healthcare access, nutrition support, and well-being services to vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
In Ebonyi, the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities became more than an annual observance it became a renewed call for equality, dignity and partnership.
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