First Lady Launches N100m Women Empowerment Scheme, Opens ICT Centre in Benue

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a N100 million business support grant for 2,000 women petty traders in Benue State as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship and improve digital inclusion.

The empowerment programme was unveiled during the commissioning of a Community Information and Technology Centre in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of the state.

The initiative, implemented through the Renewed Hope Initiative, is aimed at helping small-scale business owners recover, expand their businesses, and gain better access to economic opportunities.

N100m Grant to Support Women-Owned Businesses

Speaking at the event, Mrs Tinubu explained that the grant would be divided between two groups of beneficiaries.

According to her, N50 million will support 1,000 women traders in Vandeikya, while another N50 million will be provided to 1,000 women in Makurdi and surrounding areas.

The funding is expected to help beneficiaries recapitalise their businesses, increase their trading capacity, and improve household income through sustainable small-scale enterprises.

The First Lady highlighted that women remain a major force in local economies, especially through informal businesses that provide essential goods and services within communities.

ICT Centre Designed to Expand Digital Opportunities

The newly commissioned ICT centre in Ihugh was established through a partnership between the Renewed Hope Initiative and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The facility, named after Louis Aluor, is equipped with computers and digital resources designed to improve access to technology, promote digital skills, and support young people and entrepreneurs.

Mrs Tinubu noted that digital knowledge has become an important tool for economic growth, education, and business development.

She added that Benue State now has four ICT centres, while 15 similar facilities have been established across different parts of Nigeria, including Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Jigawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.

Government Highlights Role of Technology in Business Growth

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, described the ICT centre as a major investment that would support entrepreneurship and innovation.

The governor said the facility would create opportunities for young people, encourage e-commerce activities, and provide a platform where small businesses can develop.

He also assured residents that the state government would work toward keeping the centre operational by supporting electricity supply, internet connectivity, and business incubation programmes.

Road Project Commissioned in Makurdi

The First Lady’s visit to Benue also included the commissioning of an 11.5-kilometre road project in Makurdi.

One of the completed roads, Ishayaba Road, was named in her honour as part of recognition for the project and her visit.

Why the Development Matters

The combination of financial support and digital infrastructure highlights a growing focus on linking entrepreneurship with technology.

For women traders, access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges limiting business expansion. The grant programme is expected to provide immediate financial support, while the ICT centre offers longer-term opportunities through digital training, online business tools, and access to technology.

Observers say the success of the initiative will depend on transparent distribution of funds, continuous training, and proper maintenance of the technology facility.