Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | journalist at wengglobal
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Remi Tinubu, on Saturday strengthened the Federal Government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and institutional development with the inauguration of key public infrastructure and the launch of an economic empowerment programme for women in Kogi State.
During her one-day working visit, the First Lady commissioned the newly completed Kogi State Treasury House, a landmark administrative complex designed to improve public financial management and enhance the efficiency of government operations. State officials described the project as a major investment in strengthening governance, transparency, and accountability in public service.
Mrs. Tinubu also inaugurated the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA) Office, a facility expected to expand access to affordable healthcare services for residents through the state’s health insurance programme. The office is expected to improve coordination of healthcare delivery while supporting the government’s goal of achieving universal health coverage.
As part of the visit, the First Lady inspected the National Community Food Bank Project for the North-Central Zone, an initiative aimed at improving food security, supporting vulnerable households, and reducing hunger across the region. The inspection formed part of activities under the Renewed Hope Initiative, which focuses on social welfare, economic inclusion, and sustainable development.
A major highlight of the visit was the launch of a women’s empowerment programme under the Renewed Hope Initiative. Beneficiaries received grants and empowerment materials intended to support entrepreneurship, strengthen small businesses, and improve household incomes. While several reports suggested that more than 800 women benefited from the programme, official pre-event information confirmed the empowerment initiative but did not specify the exact number of beneficiaries.
Speaking during the event, Mrs. Tinubu reiterated the importance of empowering women as drivers of economic growth and national development. She emphasized that providing women with financial support and business opportunities contributes to poverty reduction, family welfare, and community development.
The First Lady noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative continues to complement government programmes by promoting economic empowerment, healthcare access, education, agriculture, and social protection for vulnerable Nigerians.
Kogi State Government officials welcomed the First Lady’s visit, describing it as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the lives of citizens through strategic investments in healthcare, governance, and women’s development. They expressed optimism that the newly commissioned facilities would enhance public service delivery and contribute to the state’s long-term development agenda.
The Treasury House is expected to centralize treasury operations, improve financial accountability, and provide a modern working environment for government personnel. Likewise, the Health Insurance Agency office is anticipated to expand health insurance enrollment and improve access to quality healthcare for residents.
The empowerment programme aligns with similar interventions previously carried out across several states under the Renewed Hope Initiative. The initiative seeks to equip women with financial resources, business tools, and opportunities that enable them to become economically self-reliant while contributing to local economic growth.
The visit underscores the Federal Government’s broader focus on strengthening public institutions, improving healthcare systems, advancing food security, and expanding economic opportunities for women and vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
Sources: Leadership Newspaper, Nigerian Tribune, The Guardian Nigeria, Official statements from the Office of the Wife of the Kogi State Governor.
