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Kebbi State Takes Bold Step: 100 Disabled Women Enrolled in Health Insurance Scheme

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a bold move to enhance healthcare access and promote inclusivity, the Kebbi State Government has enrolled 100 women with disabilities into the Kebbi State Contributory Health Management Agency (KECHEMA). The initiative, announced on Saturday, marks a significant stride toward addressing the health disparities faced by one of Nigeria’s most underserved populations.

The enrollment ceremony, held earlier today in Birnin Kebbi, saw state officials and community leaders gather to celebrate the milestone. The 100 beneficiaries, selected from various communities across the state, will now have access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare services through KECHEMA, a state-run insurance program designed to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.

“This is about dignity and equity,” said a senior official from the Kebbi State Ministry of Health, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “These women have faced barriers to healthcare for too long—physical, financial, and social. Today, we’re breaking down those walls.

The initiative comes at a time when Nigeria grapples with significant healthcare challenges, particularly for people with disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, individuals with disabilities are more likely to experience unmet healthcare needs due to poverty, stigma, and inaccessible facilities. For women, these challenges are often compounded by gender-based inequalities, making Kebbi’s targeted intervention a beacon of hope.

Local observers have hailed the move as a step in the right direction. Amina Suleiman, a disability rights activist based in Kebbi, told reporters, “This isn’t just about insurance; it’s about recognizing these women as equal citizens with rights. We hope this sets a precedent for other states to follow.”

The enrolled women, ranging in age and disability type, expressed gratitude and relief. Fatima Usman, a 34-year-old mother of two who lost her sight five years ago, shared her story: “I’ve struggled to afford treatment for myself and my children. Now, I feel like I have a safety net. It’s a new beginning.”

KECHEMA officials noted that the program covers a wide range of services, including maternal care, routine checkups, and treatment for chronic conditions—services that are critical for women with disabilities who often face higher health risks. The state government has pledged to monitor the initiative’s impact and explore expanding coverage to more vulnerable groups.

While the move has been widely praised, some observers are calling for greater transparency on funding and sustainability. “It’s a commendable start, but we need details on how this will be maintained long-term,” said Dr. Ibrahim Garba, a public health analyst in Sokoto. “The success of this program could inspire national policy if it’s backed by solid planning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Funke Akindele, Real Warri Pikin, and Rachael Okonkwo Joins the Lush Hair Family to Inspire Confidence in Women

by Women Times on

 

Lush Hair just raised the bar in the beauty industry! Known for celebrating beauty and confidence, The premium hair extension and hair care brand has officially welcomed three of Nigeria’s most influential female stars—Funke Akindele (Jenifa), Anita Alaire Afoke Asuoha (Real Warri Pikin), and Rachael Okonkwo (Nkoli Nwa Nsukka)—as its brand ambassadors. With this powerhouse trio, Lush Hair is set to inspire even more women to embrace their beauty with confidence.

The grand unveiling took place during the Monday, March 10th edition of Your View on TVC, broadcast from Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event featured an engaging press session, where the newly signed ambassadors shared their excitement, personal connections to the brand, and their mission to inspire women to embrace beauty, confidence, and self-love.

Funke Akindele: Confidence is Everything

Renowned Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa, took center stage with an inspiring message on confidence. “For me, it’s all about a woman being confident, owning herself, loving herself, and celebrating her unique beauty and that’s exactly what Lush Hair stands for.”
Funke Akindele, who has captivated millions with her talent and vibrant personality, sees this partnership as the perfect fit. “When you see me, you see a hardworking, beautiful, and confident woman, that’s what Lush represents. And with my influence, this brand is about to soar!” she said with a radiant smile.

Real Warri Pikin: More Than an Influencer—An Influence

The room erupted in laughter and applause as award-winning comedian and actress Real Warri Pikin brought her signature energy to the stage. “Lush Hair and I? It’s a perfect match! They celebrate women in all their beauty—different shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. That’s exactly what I stand for,” she said.
With her larger-than-life personality and devoted fan base, Real Warri Pikin is confident that her partnership with Lush Hair will be a game-changer. “I’m not just an influencer; I AM an influence. Lush Hair, get ready—something BIG is about to happen!” she declared, sending the audience into cheers.

Rachael Okonkwo: Empowering Women

Bringing a heartfelt message of empowerment, Rachael Okonkwo, fondly known as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, shared why Lush Hair aligns with her mission. “Lush Hair is not just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, standing tall, and embracing your confidence. That’s why I’m so proud to be part of this movement.”

Okonkwo, who actively champions female empowerment through her Girl Child initiative, is excited to bring her influence to the brand. “I have fans all over Nigeria and beyond. With Lush Hair, we’re not just talking beauty—we’re making confidence a lifestyle. And trust me, this is only the beginning!”

Lush Hair’s Marketing Manager Vivian Obiano described the partnership as a major step in Lush Hair’s mission to inspire and empower women. “With Funke, Anita, and Rachael on board, Lush Hair is set to redefine beauty in Nigeria. Our goal is simple: to make every woman feel beautiful, confident, and unstoppable.”

With these three powerhouse celebrities leading the charge, Lush Hair isn’t just selling hair products—it’s igniting a movement. A movement of self-love, confidence, and beauty, where every woman is empowered to embrace her glow.

 

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Akpabio Warns: Senator Natasha’s Actions Could Harm Women’s Political Prospects.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed concern that the ongoing controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan could negatively impact the advancement of women into key political positions in Nigeria

Speaking on Thursday, Akpabio suggested that her recent actions and the ensuing public dispute might discourage political leaders from appointing or supporting women for prominent roles.

The statement comes in amidst a high-profile clash between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, who was suspended from the Senate for six months on March 6, 2025.

The suspension followed a confrontation over a new seating arrangement in the Senate, which Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed was intended to undermine her. Tensions geared up when she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and political victimization, allegations he has firmly denied.

Akpabio, addressing the issue, argued that such conflicts could create reluctance among decision-makers to elevate women to leadership positions, fearing similar controversies. “Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions could affect women getting key political positions,” he stated, emphasizing the need for unity and professionalism in the legislature. He urged lawmakers to focus on their duties rather than engaging in disputes that could tarnish the image of women in politics.

The Senate has stood by its decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan, with Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu recently dismissing calls for reinstatement, insisting that the chamber would adhere to its rules. Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her case to the international stage, filing a contempt application against Akpabio and appealing to the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) for intervention.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, with some praising Akpoti-Uduaghan’s courage in confronting alleged misconduct, while others, including Akpabio’s supporters, argue that her approach risks setting back progress for women in politics. On Tuesday, a group of protesters under the banner “Women for Good Governance” rallied at the National Assembly, demanding harsher penalties for the suspended senator, accusing her of destabilizing the legislature.

 

 

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Nestlé Professional Celebrates and Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Benin

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In commemoration of International Women’s Day, Nestlé Professional, the Out of Home business arm of Nestlé Nigeria, successfully hosted the 10th edition of its Business of Food workshop in Benin. This initiative has transformed and equipped over 2,000 food businesses across Nigeria in the last three years, providing essential skills and knowledge to enhance operations, drive growth, and increase income.

This edition of the Business of Food workshop focused on empowering and uniting over 200 female industry experts, restaurant operators, seasoned chefs, culinary school students, street food vendors, caterers, and grillers.
Recognizing their vital role in serving their communities, the workshop provided participants with free hands-on training in culinary techniques, menu development, customer engagement, and hygiene best practices, along with the resources necessary to thrive in their businesses.

In line with the theme “Accelerate Action” for International Women’s Day, this initiative underscores the urgent need to empower women and drive gender equality in the food industry, enabling them to take meaningful steps towards success and community impact.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Funmi Osineye, Business Manager for Nestlé Professional in Nigeria, stated: “Food vendors play a vital role in providing essential nutrition to their communities. Over the course of 10 editions of this workshop in various states, we have received numerous testimonials, particularly from women whose businesses have experienced significant growth. This is why as the world unites to accelerate action in creating more opportunities for women to thrive, we are excited to offer this workshop, which empowers them to build sustainable businesses and enhance their impact in this vital sector. Additionally, we aim to foster networking opportunities that enable women to forge valuable business connections and collaborations.”

For the first time in the series, this edition included a panel discussion with prominent figures in the food industry. Here, Princess Esther Eruanga, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State and Dame Joy Ozigbo Ideh, Founder of Edo Caterers and Managing Director of 70’s Grill Caterers, shared their inspiring journeys and offered actionable insights on overcoming challenges in the sector.
Applauding the initiative, Princess Esther Eruanga said, “The workshop aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, emphasizing the crucial role women play in shaping communities and economies. By empowering female food entrepreneurs, the event supports broader efforts to create a more inclusive and thriving food ecosystem.”
Another major highlight of the event was a masterclass hosted by celebrity Chef Vivian, Managing Director of Wedding and Things Events, which showcased practical skills and techniques designed to enhance the participants’ business operations. Feedback from attendees indicated significant improvements in their understanding of essential business practices, paving the way for better service delivery and increased sales.

Adai Favour from Caviar Culinary Art Schools stated, “I really learned a lot during the panel discussions from the professionals. This experience will help me when I start my own food kitchen in the future.”

The event not only celebrated the achievements of women in the food industry but also reinforced Nestlé Professional’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive. Through initiatives like the Business of Food workshop, Nestlé continues to support and empower entrepreneurs in building successful businesses.

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Women in Advertising Chairperson Calls for Bold Action, Empowerment Initiatives on International Women’s Day 2025

by Women Times on

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025, Women in Advertising (WIA)—a leading platform dedicated to empowering female advertising professionals—has taken center stage with a compelling call for bold, purposeful action.

In a statement released today, Oluwaseyi Layade, Chairperson of WIA and Chief Operating Officer at Leo Burnett Lagos, Nigeria’s foremost advertising agency, urged women across the globe to accelerate progress for personal growth and the advancement of their communities and industries.

“Accelerating action is more than a theme—it’s a mindset,” Layade declared. “It means making bold decisions, pushing boundaries, and showing up with unwavering confidence in every space we occupy. Real change is forged when we take deliberate steps toward our ambitions, challenge limitations, and actively shape the future we envision.”

Layade emphasized that the power of collective action lies in every individual contribution—big and small. By advocating for equal opportunities, mentoring the next generation, and harnessing the unique creative energy inherent in the advertising world, women are positioned to drive meaningful change that resonates well beyond their professional circles.

“Every idea we champion, every barrier we break, and every woman we uplift creates a ripple effect,” she added. “The time to act is now.”

As celebrations unfold worldwide, this call to action serves as a reminder that progress is a continuous journey. Women in Advertising remains steadfast in its mission to nurture talent, foster collaboration, and elevate voices that have long been overlooked.

With a commitment to both creativity and strategic innovation, WIA is poised to redefine industry standards and inspire a legacy of empowerment.

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The AWP Network Partners With Run Club Abuja to Tackle Period Poverty in Nigeria

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The AWP Network has partnered with an Abuja-based athletic group, Run Club Abuja to provide free sanitary pads and personal supplies to 500 underprivileged girls in select public secondary schools in Abuja enough to last each girl for about six (6) months.

This event marks the beginning of a powerful tradition where women from all walks of life come together to run, connect, and to support one another.

This year’s run aims to tackle period poverty, an economic malaise prominent in Nigeria where the affordability of sanitary pads is a major concern for many women and girls. The upcoming Run Club Abuja is a 10km run/walk event aimed at combating period poverty and scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 7am.

The scheduled event commemorates International Women’s Day and aims to address the lack of access to sanitary products, which can severely hinder a young girl’s education and overall wellbeing. The event is open to all women regardless of their fitness level and encourages participation through running or brisk walking.

Mary Olushoga, Founder of The AWP Network states,

“2025 is a major year for AWP, and we are glad to be collaborating with Run Club Abuja to support women and girls in Nigeria. Advocating for women and girls is a major part of what we do at the AWP Network.

I count it an honor to always have a generous platform that celebrates and supports our Nigerian women and girls. Without a doubt, period poverty is a major concern for many women and girls in Nigeria and by providing sanitary products, we help them to boost their self-confidence and personal hygiene.”

You can learn more about the AWP Network by visiting: awpnetwork.com and Run Club Abuja by visiting their website. #RCAWR2025

 

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AXA Mansard Boss Urges Business Leaders to Create Enabling Environment for Diversity, Technology, and Multigenerational Workforce

by Women Times on

The Chief Client Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Rashidat Adebisi, has urged business leaders and managers to create the right environment for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), technology adoption, and a multigenerational workforce to thrive.

She said that, among other evolving workplace trends of the 21st century, these factors will redefine how organizations operate and perform.

Speaking to members of the Society for Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) – the female arm of the Institute of Chartered Account of Nigeria (ICAN), Adebisi noted that business leaders must pay close attention to these trends, embrace them and create environments where they can enable productivity. She added that companies that fail to integrate the changes brought about by new workforce trends risk falling behind in today’s increasingly competitive and digital economy.

Adebisi said that the importance of a diverse, equitable, included workforce cannot be overstated. She noted that in Nigeria and worldwide, women remain underrepresented in executive roles, with women occupying only 24% of directors’ seats on the top 30 capitalized companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, according to a March 2021 report by KPMG. She stressed the need for organizations to go beyond token representation and implement policies supporting women’s advancement into leadership roles.

Additionally, she noted that issues such as ageism, BSc-HND discrimination, and accessibility for professionals with disabilities continue to create barriers for talented individuals. She urged organizations to develop systems to eliminate these biases, focus on competency-based hiring, and foster inclusive work environments that empower employees of all backgrounds.

On the importance of a multigenerational workforce, Adebisi noted that today’s workforce now spans four generations, from Baby Boomers to Generation Z, making it more diverse than ever before. “Each generation brings unique strengths. Baby Boomers and Generation X offer experience, while Millennials and Gen Z drive digital innovation and agility”, she said.

She explained that businesses must intentionally create structures that allow these generations to collaborate effectively so the organizations can harness the opportunities for higher productivity and better problem-solving outcomes. “Despite the opportunities, many companies still struggle with the generational divides in communication, belongingness, and work styles and expectations,” she added.

“Technology remains a major driver of workplace evolution,” she continued.

“The adoption of AI, automation, blockchain, and cloud computing is reshaping industries, from accounting to insurance and other sectors. No matter how small, one can hardly think about a business not investing in digital transformation today. Yet many employees of these organizations lack the skills to fully leverage these advancements for personal and business growth”.

Adebisi emphasized that business leaders must prioritize upskilling and digital literacy programs to ensure their workforce is equipped to navigate the new era technology has brought to the workplace. She cited examples of how FinTech and digital accounting solutions are revolutionizing financial management, allowing accountants and business leaders to make data-driven decisions faster and more accurately, saying, “Every industry is going through a similar journey to do things faster, cheaper, and better with technology.”

She explained that while these technology trends are placing new demands on every facet of the workplace, leaders have a higher responsibility of not just investing in talent and skill development but also creating an environment that can unlock the opportunities that technology brings to business operations.

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Rashidat Adebisi Applauds AXA Mansard Chairman’s Contributions as He Bags UNILAG Honourary Doctoral Degree

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The Chief Client Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Rashidat Adebisi, has applauded the company’s chairman, Kola Adesina for his contribution to the growth of the company and the insurance industry, following the recent doctoral degree conferred on him by the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

 

According to UNILAG, this prestigious recognition celebrates Adesina’s exceptional contributions as a “globally renowned entrepreneur with extensive experience spanning academia, finance, trade, diplomacy, and the energy sector.”

 

Speaking on the development, Adebisi, congratulated  Adesina, noting that this honour underscores Adesina’s significant impact in Nigeria and Africa’s growth and development.

 

She praised his unwavering commitment to excellence and human capital development, highlighting that it is no surprise that a prestigious institution like UNILAG is honouring him.

 

“As a business, we have greatly benefited from Adesina’s vast expertise and wealth of experience. His outstanding leadership and dedication to our nation’s progress are truly remarkable. We are immensely proud to be associated with him and celebrate this milestone. We believe this honour will inspire Mr Adesina to continue being a beacon of progress in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape,” Adebisi stated.

 

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Kunle Ahmed,  lauded Adesina’s virtues and emphasised that the honorary degree is a testament to Mr. Adesina’s exemplary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence. “Mr Adesina’s visionary approach has been pivotal in driving our company’s success and positively influencing our ambition to transition from a payer to a partner. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and this well-deserved recognition,” Ahmed remarked.

 

The conferment ceremony at UNILAG’s main auditorium was graced by dignitaries from various sectors, including academia, finance, and industry, who gathered to honour Mr. Adesina’s remarkable achievements and contributions.

 

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Anambra State Government Debunks News on Alleged Arrest of Half-Naked Women

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Anambra State Government has debunked the malicious and entirely false information circulating on social media platforms, claiming that it has begun the arrest of girls who dress half-naked and walk around without bras and pants.

The state government denounced the information as untrue, mischievous, and an orchestrated story to mislead the public and tarnish its reputable image by detractors.

According to Governor Charles Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the government under Soludo remains committed to protecting the fundamental human rights and dignity of the people of Anambra State, even though it encourages decency generally.

He stated that Governor Soludo’s government does not interfere with the people’s private issues relating to dressing, as it is within their right to decide on such matters, as enshrined in the country’s Constitution.

In light of this, Aburime condemned in totality the unscrupulous fabrication of fake news against the government, which is committed to the economic and infrastructural transformation of Anambra state, and advised the peddlers of such news to desist from it to avoid creating unnecessary panic and tension in the state.

 “We wish to categorically state that this information is not only false but also mischievous and calculated to mislead the public and paint the state government in a bad light”.

The state government therefore urged the public to disregard this fake news and always verify information from official government channels before sharing.

Aburime therefore, assured that Governor Soludo’s administration will continue to focus on key issues of security of lives and property, human capital development, economic transformation, and urban regeneration, among others, for the benefit of Anambra citizens, rather than pedestrian issues. .

 

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AXA Mansard Investment Restates Commitment to Financial Literacy 

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AXA Mansard Investments Limited, a leading asset management firm in Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving financial literacy for the financially excluded Nigerians.

The company said its commitment becomes important as financial inclusion in Nigeria is slowing with the growing numbers of Nigerians entering financial responsibility stages.

According to the firm,  reliable and actionable knowledge sharing and transfer are important not just for informed financial decision-making but also for financial independence and stability.

“In an era of economic uncertainty and complex financial markets, understanding the principles of personal finance, investing, and wealth management is crucial,” said the Chief Operating Officer of AXA Mansard Investments Limited, Alex Edafe, explained that AXA Mansard Investments Limited is dedicated to helping individuals and families build the financial acumen required to navigate 2025 and beyond.

Edafe stated, “In recent years, the dearth of financial literacy in Nigeria has become alarming, with many individuals lacking the necessary knowledge to make sound financial decisions.

From transitioning from savings to investments, budgeting, asset allocation, managing debt as well as retirement planning, to mention a few, many Nigerians, especially the younger generations, need these skills to effectively manage their money”.

“Financial education is foundational for achieving financial independence. This year, we are focused on making financial knowledge more accessible to Nigerians at every stage of their financial journey. We believe that a financially educated population is better positioned to make informed decisions that can lead to long-term financial success and economic prosperity for the nation.”

“So, we are actively working to bridge the knowledge gap in the Nigerian financial sector by offering a range of educational initiatives to provide valuable insights on investment and personal finance. Some of the key programs and resources available to Nigerians include free physical and virtual financial seminars, which we host to help individuals understand the basics of investing and financial planning, expert-driven content, which includes a wealth of articles, blogs, and videos on financial topics offered via traditional, digital-owned and paid media platforms. We also have the option for one-on-one financial advisory targeted at people who would prefer more personalized guidance, helping them to understand their unique needs and goals and creating tailored winning strategies for investments, savings, and wealth-building.”

Financial education empowers individuals to make choices that lead to financial security and prosperity. It empowers individuals with an understanding of financial principles to make better financial decisions, helps individuals to identify opportunities for wealth creation and preservation, and prepares individuals for the future to create long-term security and increase financial confidence.

AXA Mansard Investments remains committed to its mission of promoting financial education and helping Nigerians achieve financial independence. With a greater focus on educating the public about sound financial practices, we believe that more Nigerians will be empowered to take control of their financial futures.

“We believe that by focusing on education, we can transform the financial landscape of Nigeria,” added Mr. Edafe. “When Nigerians are empowered with the right knowledge, they are better positioned to invest wisely, create wealth, and secure their financial future.”

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