Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, has appealed to market women not to hike the prices of food items during the festive period.

In a statement, Busola Kukoyi, the senior special assistant on media to the first lady, said Oluremi spoke on Saturday in Abakakili, the capital of Ebonyi, while addressing women for their 2024 Women’s Day celebration.

Oluremi inaugurated the 3.1 kilometres runway at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi.

The first lady commended Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi, for completing the project, noting that the airport will usher in more socio-economic development for the state.

During an interactive session with traditional rulers in the state, Oluremi tasked them to lead their subjects in the right direction.

“Nigeria has everything it takes for us to be a great nation. We have to continue to bless this land, and I appeal to you, our traditional rulers, to lead in that regard,” she said.

“Let me go back to greet your governor. He has gone beyond the 35 percent in female appointments.

His deputy governor is a woman; same for the secretary to the state government and many down the line.

“Now I want to announce that he has decided to empower 130 people with businesses with N1 million each as business recapitalisation grants.

“As RHI, we did not come empty-handed. We are donating a sum of N50 million, 20,000 wrappers, shoes, and bags to support businesses of women in that line, in this state.”

On his part, the governor thanked the first lady for the visit and the support received by the state through the renewed hope initiative.

He commended the women of the state for their contributions to the development of Ebonyi.

THE CABLE