News - Women Times

Five Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Win $50,000 From Standard Chartered Foundation’s Women in Tech Accelerator

by Women Times on October 2, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The Standard Chartered Foundation has announced the winners of its Women in Tech Accelerator in Nigeria, with five women-led businesses sharing $50,000 in grant funding.

The programme was delivered in partnership with Village Capital and local implementing partner Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University. This year’s cohort had 11 ventures, with the top five emerging after a final pitch session before a panel of judges.

Each winner will receive $10,000 to scale her business.

Speaking on the programme, Joke Adu, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Nigeria, said:

“At Standard Chartered, we believe that empowering women entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to drive inclusive economic growth. Since launching the Women in Technology Programme in Nigeria in 2019, we have impacted thousands of women, directly trained more than 70 women through our incubator cohorts and provided seed funding to 35 women-led businesses.”

Nneka Okekearu, Director of Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, added that the accelerator shows what happens when women entrepreneurs get access to skills, mentorship, networks and opportunities.

The 2026 winners are:

1. Jennifer Esiaba – Mariam Grey Pharmacy

An AI-powered telepharmacy providing accessible medication, pharmacist consultations and chronic care support via smartphones, basic phones and USSD.

2. Christine Imoukhuede – Ahavaplan

An AI-powered CRM platform that helps event planners manage clients, events and business operations in one place.

3. Toyosi Badejo-Okusanya – Adaptive Atelier

An accessibility technology company helping businesses create inclusive digital experiences through AI-powered solutions and accessibility auditing.

4. Fara Popoola – Proc360

A platform helping African SMEs trade with confidence through supplier verification, quality control and secure payments.

5. Adejoke Haastrup – Kidsthatcode

An edtech platform equipping children and teens across Africa with coding and digital skills through classes, mentorship and hackathons.

The winners now join a global alumni community of women entrepreneurs that offers peer-to-peer support and access to catalytic funding at lower-than-commercial rates.

The Women in Tech Accelerator has been running in Nigeria since 2020 through funding from the Foundation and Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria. Globally, it operates in 14 Standard Chartered markets across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the US, and has supported over 4,000 entrepreneurs to date.

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Akwa Ibom Govt Repositions Agriculture For Jobs, Wealth Creation — Commissioner

by Women Times on September 25, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, has said the state government is repositioning agriculture from subsistence farming to a major driver of food security, employment and wealth creation.

Offor said the administration of Governor Umo Eno has introduced deliberate interventions and leveraged donor-supported programmes to strengthen agricultural production and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the state.

She stated this during an interaction with journalists in Uyo on Thursday, while reviewing the administration’s performance in the agricultural sector.

The commissioner noted that agriculture remains central to the state’s economy, making sustained government investment necessary to increase production, improve market access and create opportunities for rural communities.

She explained that the governor’s Back-to-Farm and Home Farm initiatives are aimed at encouraging households to cultivate food crops for domestic consumption and additional income.

“That’s how we used to live. He is trying to say, let’s go back to that way. Don’t buy everything from the market. Have a small garden where you can grow small things that you need for cooking and you can even give out,” she said.

Offor said the government has also established an Equipment Leasing Company with tractors and other farm implements which farmers can access at 50 percent subsidy.

“Farmers get 50 per cent off the regular price to work on their farms. Machines will help you work faster and get more than if you use manual labour,” she said.

She added that the government is supporting the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, RAAMP, a World Bank-assisted programme, through counterpart funding to improve rural feeder roads.

“The project has earmarked 486 roads across the 31 local government areas. It gives farmers easy market access, reduces post-harvest losses and improves livelihoods,” she said.

According to her, an 11-kilometre market junction road cutting across Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area has already been commissioned under the programme.

The commissioner further disclosed that through the Food Systems Resilience Programme and AK-CARES, farmers have received improved fingerlings, poultry, goats and sheep, as well as cassava cuttings, fertilizers and herbicides.

She said more than 16,000 beneficiaries have received input support under AK-CARES, while over 150 rural roads have been graded and 81 wet markets rehabilitated with toilet facilities and slaughter slabs to improve hygiene.

On tree crops, Offor said the state has launched the Tree Crop Revolution Programme with focus on oil palm and cocoa production.

“Over 620,000 oil palm seedlings will be shared with 1,700 oil palm farmers across the 31 LGAs. So far, 14 LGAs have received 5,000 seedlings each,” she said.

For cocoa, she disclosed that more than 250,000 seedlings were distributed to over 3,000 farmers in 2025, while more than 100,000 seedlings have been distributed to over 850 farmers in 2026.

She added that the state is tracing the origin of cocoa beans produced in Akwa Ibom to ensure its produce is properly recognized and not attributed to other states.

Offor also said the governor is establishing a 50-hectare Model Farm as a flagship integrated agricultural project combining crop and livestock production, with plans to replicate the model across the state’s senatorial districts.

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Anambra First Lady Empowers 5,000 Residents With Tools, Equipment and Cash Support

by Women Times on September 25, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has empowered 5,000 residents across the state with working tools, equipment and entrepreneurial cash support to strengthen their livelihoods and promote economic independence.

The empowerment exercise was held on Thursday at the Light House in Awka, the state capital.

Beneficiaries, including youths and the elderly drawn from the 376 wards in the 21 Local Government Areas of the state, received items such as baking equipment, sewing machines, grinding machines, hair dryers, mannequins, generating sets, grills, and cash support.

Speaking at the event, Dr Soludo said the programme was designed to promote economic inclusion and ensure no one is left behind in building a stronger and more prosperous society. She said the exercise was organised under the theme, “Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya” (Be your brother’s keeper).

According to her, beneficiaries were carefully screened and selected to ensure the support reached those who genuinely need it.

She said, “We gather today, not merely to distribute items or celebrate another social impact initiative, but to reaffirm a simple truth: when we invest in people, we invest in the future.

“Today, through empowerment, about 5,000 people will receive start-ups and empowerment items, as well as entrepreneurial cash support to strengthen their livelihoods and economic independence.

“The empowerment is for poverty alleviation. Don’t sell the items given to you; put them into productive use; use them to also train other people.”

Dr Soludo added that a monitoring mechanism has been established at the ward level to ensure beneficiaries use the items for their intended purposes and not sell them. She described the programme as the mother of all empowerments, noting that it started on September 10 during the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria but could not be completed due to time constraints.

Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the state government.

Blessing Azuka from Dunukofia LGA, who received a sewing machine, said she had been unable to purchase one since completing her tailoring apprenticeship in February.

“I am grateful to the government. This empowerment is timely. I can now start small from my room until I save enough to get a shop and expand my craft,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mr Stanley Ezerindu, who received a washing machine for his laundry business, said the support would help him grow his business, attract more customers and increase his income.

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Historic Move As Reckitt Names Ujunwa Chukwumah First Nigerian and First Female GM for West Africa

by Women Times on September 23, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Reckitt, the global health and hygiene company, has announced a major leadership appointment.

The company has named Ujunwa Chukwumah as its new General Manager for West Africa, effective September 15, 2026.

The appointment is historic — Ujunwa is the first Nigerian and the first woman to hold the position in the region.

With over 19 years of commercial and leadership experience across Africa, Ujunwa brings deep expertise in commercial strategy, business transformation, market development and team leadership.

She joins Reckitt from Diageo, where she most recently served as Commercial Director for West and Central Africa, leading businesses across diverse African markets. Prior to that, she held senior roles at Procter & Gamble, building a strong track record in driving performance and developing high-performing teams.

In her new role, she will oversee Reckitt’s operations across West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and other key markets. Her mandate includes driving commercial performance, sustainable growth, building organizational capability and developing talent, while ensuring Reckitt’s brands continue to meet evolving consumer needs.

Speaking on her appointment, Ujunwa said:

“I am delighted to join Reckitt and lead its West Africa business. Having spent much of my career working across the region, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience to a business whose brands play an important role in the lives of consumers. I look forward to working with our teams, customers and partners to grow our brands, develop our people and deliver sustainable growth, while continuing to ensure we provide better health in more hands everyday across West Africa.”

According to Reckitt, the appointment underscores its commitment to strong local leadership and its long-term growth ambitions in West Africa.

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Humanitarian Affairs Minister Congratulates Nigeria’s First Lady on Her 66th Birthday

by Women Times on September 22, 2026

Dr Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has congratulated the first lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu (CON), on her 66th birthday celebration.

In a congratulatory message he personally signed, Dr Doro stated: “On this special occasion of your 66th birthday, I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating a life of grace, compassion and dedicated service to humanity.

“Your commitment to the wellbeing of women, children, families and vulnerable Nigerians, particularly through the Renewed Hope Initiative, continues to demonstrate the difference compassionate leadership can make in the lives of our people.

“I remain deeply appreciative of your support for humanitarian and social protection initiatives and your commitment to building a Nigeria where the vulnerable are protected and no one is left behind.

“May Almighty God continue to bless you with good health, wisdom, strength and many more fulfilling years of service to our dear nation.

“Happy Birthday, Your Excellency,” the Minister stated.

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360 Girls Empowered at Junior Achievement Nigeria’s LEAD Camp 2026

by Women Times on September 17, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), in partnership with Cummins, has held the 2026 edition of its flagship Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement and Development (LEAD) Camp.

Themed “Her Voice. Her Vision. Her Future,” the two-day camp brought together 360 girls from 11 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, for sessions on leadership, personal branding, artificial intelligence, health and wellbeing, and vision planning.

The camp opened with remarks from Mrs. Titi Akinsanmi, Vice Chairman of JAN’s Board of Directors, and Mr. Oladipupo Olabode, representing Cummins.

Participants engaged with accomplished women across industries, with practical sessions on confident leadership, resilience, AI and future readiness, and intentional goal-setting through vision board exercises.

A major highlight was the appearance of LEAD Camp alumna Laure Tijani, who shared her journey of overcoming barriers to education to earn life-changing academic opportunities. Her story underscored the programme’s long-term impact in turning past participants into mentors.

Participants described the experience as transformative. Owolafe Esther from Ondo State said the camp taught her to start building skills now, while Mabel Danjuma from Kaduna State said she left with a clearer vision of her future.

The girls were also inducted into the 10 Million African Girls (10MAG) initiative by Junior Achievement Africa, connecting them to mentorship, collaboration and opportunities beyond the camp.

Speaking on the programme, Mr. Olabode said Cummins remains committed to expanding access to education and skills development through initiatives like Cummins Powers Women and Cummins READY.

Tobiloba Olaosun, Head of Marketing & Communications at JAN, noted that LEAD Camp has for over 20 years empowered young Nigerian girls, with alumnae including Orode Uduaghan, Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on SME Development, Nkechi Eze, founder of Aso Ebi Bella, and Laure Tijani, an ALU scholarship recipient.

LEAD Camp is one of JAN’s flagship programmes designed to inspire confidence and leadership in girls through mentorship and experiential learning.

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Aisha Buhari Pays Courtesy Visit To Atiku Abubakar

by Women Times on September 17, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, on Wednesday visited former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Atiku disclosed the visit in a post on his X handle, describing the meeting as warm and deeply appreciated.

“Today, I was delighted to receive former First Lady, H.E. Aisha Buhari. Her visit was warm and deeply appreciated,” he wrote.

Beyond the courtesies, Atiku said the visit underscored the urgent responsibility for leaders to prioritise the welfare, dignity and future of Nigerians.

He lamented the rising cost of living, noting that families across the country are struggling with the high cost of food, transportation, education, healthcare and other basic necessities.

“Across our country, families are being stretched by the rising cost of food, transport, education, healthcare and other basic necessities. Nigerians deserve an economy that rewards hard work, restores opportunity and allows every family to live with dignity and hope,” Atiku stated.

He called for collective efforts to ease the burden on citizens and restore hope, adding: “That is the Nigeria we must build together, a country that works for its people again. We must ease the burden, restore hope and make Nigeria Affordable Again.”

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Image Strategist Temitope Adesola Owoeye to Launch Debut Book ‘Show Up & Show Off

by Women Times on September 14, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Certified Image Consultant and entrepreneur, Temitope Adesola Owoeye, is set to launch her debut book, Show Up & Show Off: Harness the Power of Perception to Win Without Words.

The book, scheduled for release on October 29, 2026, challenges leaders, founders and professionals to rethink how they leverage image and personal presence to build credibility, influence opportunities and lead more effectively.

In an era where perception shapes professional opportunity and personal brand equity, Owoeye offers a practical framework for understanding the connection between how people show up and the opportunities they attract.

A member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), Owoeye is an award-winning, internationally recognised image strategist. She is the Founder and CEO of TAO Publishing and LOVEAFRIK, an image consulting company that helps individuals and organisations strategically communicate their identity through image, style and personal presence.

With nearly a decade of experience, she has worked both behind the scenes and in the spotlight, shaping perceptions and refining identities across industries. Her expertise spans fashion, psychology, personal branding and executive presence, with services including personal styling, corporate image consulting, executive presence coaching, styling for commercials and movies, public speaking, workshops and masterclasses.

In Show Up & Show Off, Owoeye expands that conversation into publishing, exploring the often-underestimated relationship between image, perception, credibility and influence — and challenging the notion that personal image is merely about fashion or appearance.

According to her, how a person presents themselves can influence what others assume about their competence, confidence, authority and value, often before a word is spoken.

“Your image is communicating long before you introduce yourself,” Owoeye said. “The question is not whether people perceive you, but whether the perception they form is aligned with who you are, what you stand for and where you are going.”

The book teaches readers how to become their ideal image and, more importantly, how to communicate that identity using fashion, style, body language and executive presence as tools for life transformation.

Show Up & Show Off will be available in bookstores, on Amazon and Selar from October 29, 2026.

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“Nigeria Feels Like Home”: How a South Korean Woman Built a Life, Love, and Family in Lagos

by Women Times on September 9, 2026

By Prosper Mene

While the word “japa” dominates conversations about Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, a different story is unfolding in Lagos. For some foreigners, Nigeria is no longer just a place to work. It is becoming home.

Renee Ju, a South Korean content creator known as @victorandrenee, arrived in Nigeria in 2021 on a work assignment with Samsung Electronics. What started as a temporary posting has since turned into marriage, motherhood, and a deep connection to the country she once barely knew.

Her first impressions were far from welcoming. Landing in Lagos during the COVID-19 pandemic, she spent two weeks in hotel quarantine and was immediately struck by how different everything felt from Seoul, a city known for strict order and structure. The water in even high-end hotels, the noise, the pace — it was overwhelming. At the airport, she admits she wanted to turn back.

That changed once she began working with Nigerian colleagues. Their energy, humor, and resilience reshaped her view. “Nothing can stop them from living their best life,” she would later say. Her family in South Korea were initially shocked by her decision to relocate. Her sister even reached out to Nigerians on LinkedIn for advice, only to hear the same response repeatedly: she would have the best time in Nigeria.

And she did. Beyond the office, Renee found herself drawn to Nigerian social life. The parties, the weddings that felt like festivals, and the hours-long church services were all new to her. The hardest adjustment was the length of worship, often stretching three to five hours. But it was the people who ultimately made Lagos feel like home. Former colleagues became family — the ones she laughed and cried with through the highs and lows.

What she came to love most about Nigeria, she says, is how it makes her feel. “Every emotion was so raw and unfiltered to the extent that it makes you live life with every cell in your body,” she explained. She describes it as being like a fish finally released into water — maybe lagoon water, but water nonetheless, after years of being “on display in a nice supermarket.”

It was at a beach concert in Landmark that she met Victor Babatunde Yamusa. It wasn’t love at first sight for her, though it was for him. At the time she had already resigned from Samsung and was focused on enjoying life in Lagos. As their friendship deepened, she began to see a caring side to Victor beneath his tough exterior. That friendship grew into marriage.

Navigating two cultures in one relationship came with its own lessons. Renee credits her adaptability — shaped by years of travel in her 20s — for making the transition smoother. But marriage and motherhood brought new challenges. With the birth of their son, Roi Ifeya, cultural differences were no longer just “spice.” They became questions of values and identity. For the couple, faith became the anchor that helped them through.

Motherhood changed her relationship with Nigeria entirely. The country is now her child’s motherland — the place where they spent nine months of pregnancy and welcomed their son into the world. Nigeria is no longer just where she shouts “Fisi Fisi” in the market. It is home. “Whatever the people go through in this land, they are my concerns too,” she says. “No matter where our family is, Nigeria will always be in our hearts and is a place to come back to.”

Looking back at the woman who first arrived in 2021, Renee says Nigeria humbled her. It taught her the privilege of freedom and the purpose of her journey. She believes she was brought to the country for a reason and is eager to see what role she will play in it moving forward.

For Renee Ju, Nigeria stopped being a foreign posting years ago. Today, it is family.

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Priscilla Ojo & Juma Jux Serve Western Luxury for Son Rakeem’s 1st Birthday

by Women Times on August 31, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Content creator Priscilla Ojo and singer Juma Jux gave their son Rakeem a first birthday to remember and a masterclass in modern cowboy style to match.

The family celebrated Rakeem’s first birthday over the weekend at The Lekki Coliseum. The little one, born on August 24, 2025, turned one on August 24, 2026, and his parents leaned fully into a Western theme for the occasion.

The Birthday Boy’s Look

Rakeem wasn’t left out of the dress code. He wore a miniature dark-brown leather jacket with horseshoe and lasso embroidery, layered over a white shirt and tailored beige trousers. The outfit was finished with tiny brown leather boots, a matching belt, a beaded necklace, and a small black cowboy hat with gold star details.

Priscilla’s Grown-Up Western Glam

Priscilla put a chic spin on the theme. She stepped out in a chocolate-brown leather corset top paired with a high-waisted fringe skirt featuring a thigh slit. A cropped cowhide-print jacket was draped over her shoulders, and a brass-and-leather Western belt cinched the look.

She completed the outfit with open-toe lace-up suede boots and a classic cowboy hat, while wearing her signature honey-blonde curls. The look stayed within a rich brown palette for a cohesive, luxury feel.

Juma’s Statement Western Fit

Juma brought the edge. He wore a dark-brown leather vest detailed with metallic grommets and studs over a white ribbed tank, paired with deep-brown corduroy bootcut trousers with subtle flame embroidery.

His accessories did the most: a black wide-brim cowboy hat with an embellished teal and gold band, stacked diamond chains, a cross pendant, iced-out bracelets, and a gold belt buckle shaped like a running horse. Snake-skin patterned Western boots wrapped up the look.

From posing by a birthday cake to Priscilla playfully mounting a prop saddle while Juma held Rakeem, the family photos captured the theme perfectly.

For those looking to try cowboy style without going full costume, the couple’s looks offer an easy guide: start with one Western piece — boots with jeans, a hat with a dress, or a Western belt with trousers. Add leather, fringe, or cowhide print if you want to go bolder.

The Ojo-Jux celebration was less about matching hats and more about giving the whole family a coordinated Western wardrobe. For a first birthday, it was a fittingly stylish start to Rakeem’s next chapter.