The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) in collaboration with Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) flag-off the presentation of empowerment items to beneficiaries in the FCT. The empowerment targeted at 18,500 women in the 36 states and FCT commenced simultaneously in the six states of the North-central of the Federation.
In her welcome address at the flag-off of the presentation of the empowerment items in Abuja on Friday, 21st of February, 2025. the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire noted that the distribution of empowerment items aims at unlocking potential, fostering economic independence and creating opportunities for women to thrive, she explained that equipping women across the 36 states and the FCT will strengthened their capacity to build sustainable livelihoods such that would enable them contribute meaningfully to inclusive national development.
Reiterating her office commitment towards women, Princess Adefulire stated “At the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs), we remain resolute in our commitment to women’s economic empowerment as a key driver of sustainable development. This initiative directly aligns with SDG 1 (No Poverty); SDG 5 (Gender Equality); SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth); SDG-10 (reducing inequalities) and SDG-16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), reflecting our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no woman is left behind in our collective journey towards peace and prosperity.”
Speaking further the SDGs Boss explained that OSSAP-SDGs has, over the years, strengthened efforts at empowering women and children across the country. According to her the office had constructed and equipped 66 Skills Acquisition Centres and Transit Homes for women and girls across the country and provided over 4, 800 computers for ICT training. This investment according to her reflects the firm belief that when a woman is empowered, a home is built, a community is strengthened, and a nation prospers.
SSAP-SDGs noted that recent evidence has shown that women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to Nigerian economic development through employment generation, poverty eradication and basic family support. To achieve these she encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of this opportunity. According to her “Let these empowerment tools serve as stepping stones toward financial independence, business development and sustainable livelihood. We trust that the seeds being sown today will blossom into thriving enterprises, uplifting not just individual households but entire communities”.
In her key note address, the first lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu attributed the success of the program to the efforts made by the OSSAP-SDGs and enjoined the women to judiciously make use of the items to become self reliance and contribute to Nation building. According to the first lady, the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which prioritizes inclusivity, economic growth and sustainable development for all Nigerians particularly women.
Signed
Jimoh O. Abdulsalam
Head, Information and PR
