First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has empowered over 5,000 women across the South-East. The beneficiaries came from the region’s five states. They received sewing machines, grinding machines, bags of rice and other items.
The programme took place on Saturday at Michael Okpara Square in Enugu. It formed part of the APC women’s mobilisation campaign ahead of the 2027 elections. The initiative aims to help women start businesses and become financially independent.
Mrs Tinubu attended the event under the APC Women Mobilisation Directorate. She linked the programme to President Bola Tinubu’s promise of economic prosperity.
She said the administration had completed its major reforms. It was now working towards delivering prosperity.
“We have finished reforms, and we are pushing into prosperity. It is rare to be campaigning and doing empowerment at the same time. But that is in line with President Tinubu’s promise to lead Nigerians to prosperity,” she said.
She also described her husband as a leader who fulfils his promises.
Remi Tinubu Announces More Support for Women
The First Lady promised to continue supporting women across the region.
She also announced plans to assist more beneficiaries in December.
According to her, another 200 women would receive cash transfers through their lawmakers. She added that 250 elderly women would also benefit.
Mrs Tinubu recalled her visits to the South-East since 2023. She said the traditional titles conferred on her reflected her relationship with the region. She urged residents to support President Tinubu and the APC.
Uzodimma, Mbah Seek Support for Tinubu
Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, also addressed the gathering.
The Imo State governor urged women to support Tinubu and the APC. He said the South-East had experienced marginalisation since the civil war.
However, he argued that the Tinubu administration had increased development activities in the region.
Uzodimma cited road construction, bridges, scholarships and healthcare projects. He also mentioned water projects as part of the administration’s interventions.
He urged residents and Nigerians of Igbo extraction abroad to support Tinubu in 2027.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah described the empowerment programme as significant. He said it would help women become wealth creators.
Mbah disclosed that the First Lady had supported over 2,000 women in Enugu. The assistance included equipment, financial support and hospital bill payments.
He said empowering women could create jobs and improve family welfare. It could also benefit communities across the state.
The governor credited increased federal allocations with supporting development projects. He listed infrastructure, education and healthcare among the areas benefiting.
Mbah also urged women to support Tinubu and other APC candidates in 2027.
Benjamin Kalu Rejects One-Term Presidency Proposal
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, also addressed the gathering.
He urged the South-East not to support reported agreements proposing a single four-year presidential term for an Igbo president.
Kalu argued that other regions had enjoyed two presidential terms. He said the South-East should also seek two terms when it produces a president.
He cited the establishment of the South-East Development Commission as evidence of Tinubu’s engagement with the region.
Kalu also referenced the president’s appointments of South-East indigenes to federal positions.
“For now, our mandate is to support the man that has been supporting us,” he said.
He urged residents to continue supporting Tinubu. He pointed to the First Lady’s empowerment activities and other government interventions.
The event attracted several political and government figures. They included the wives of the Vice-President and Senate President.
South-East governors’ wives, ministers, lawmakers and APC leaders also attended.
