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Bloom Weekend 2025: Empowering Women to Lead, Innovate, and Thrive

by Women Times on June 16, 2025

Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, this June, invites women across Nigeria to experience a celebration like no other, Bloom Weekend 2025, a dynamic, immersive, and transformational event designed to empower women to break barriers, build legacies, and scale new heights. The event is scheduled to take place from Friday, 20 June, to Saturday, 21 June 2025.

Rooted in the spirit of the Stanbic IBTC Blue Blossom Community, Bloom Weekend is more than a gathering, it’s a movement dedicated to accelerating women’s leadership, financial independence, and entrepreneurial success. This year’s theme, “Bloom Into More,” sets the stage for what promises to be a weekend packed with innovative ideas, vibrant networking, and real-world opportunities.

Attendees would immerse themselves in a lineup of high-impact sessions, where Nigeria’s trailblazing female executives, business moguls, and entrepreneurs will share their journeys and lessons learnt. This year’s event will commence with an SME Entrepreneurship Summit anchored by the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan Atlantic University. The training is set to equip participants with practical strategies on how to structure and grow their businesses. Featuring a robust curriculum curated by the Enterprise Data Centre, participants would be awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the session. For many, this would be the opportunity that would help transform their passions into profitable, sustainable enterprises.

Another highlight of the weekend is the LADIES AT THE TABLE EMPOWERMENT SERIES (LATTES) panel, an engaging live event featuring inspiring women leaders. The keynote address will be delivered by Patience Torlowei, founder of Torlowei. Confirmed panelists include Eunice Showunmi, Aderinsola Adeyemi, Olayide Odediran, Hawa Magaji, and Oler Oladele, each poised to share their expertise and insights on the theme.

The Bloom Hub will feature a lively marketplace of women-led businesses, offering attendees a chance to discover and support innovative brands. Simultaneously, there would be masterclasses hosted by CEO of Arami Essentials, Ore Lawani and Founder, DictionwithDerin Aderinsola Adeyemi, while Stanbic IBTC’s advisory teams would be available onsite, providing personalised financial consultations to guide attendees on how to achieve their financial dreams.

“Our vision for Bloom Weekend 2025 goes beyond inspiration,” said Olajumoke Bello, Head, Enterprise Business, Stanbic IBTC Bank. “We are committed to action, real mentorship, real funding opportunities and real partnerships. We are building a community where every woman can find the tools, connections, and confidence to achieve more.”

In addition to the main sessions, participants would enjoy vibrant experiential activations and get the opportunity to sign up to the Blue Blossom online community of female business owners. From wellness activities like yoga and massages to games and a vibrant kiddies corner, the 2025 Bloom Weekend is guaranteed to be a wholesome 360-degree experience for all who would be in attendance.

The Bloom Weekend is open to all women including established and emerging entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, innovators in tech, young professionals, and all women ready to invest in their future.

Registration is open, click here to secure your spot!

Event

National Mental Health Campaign “REJUVENATE 2025” Set to Empower Women and Youth Across Nigeria

by Women Times on June 11, 2025

The Whole Women Community and Recharge Life Centre are gearing up for their flagship event, REJUVENATE 2025, an annual Wellbeing and Mental Health Conference & Roadshow scheduled from June 25 to July 19, 2025. The event will take place across various locations in Nigeria, aiming to reach an audience of more than 6,000 individuals.

Under the theme REJUVENATE, the conference seeks to elevate awareness and deliver practical solutions to Nigeria’s escalating mental health challenges, particularly among women and youth. The initiative is organized in partnership with the University of Lagos, The Traders and Small Business Association (Ifo, Ogun State), and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Region 3 (Ogun State).

Organized by the Recharge Life Centre and Whole Women Community—both licensed and accredited mental health institutions affiliated with the International Association for Counselling and the Institute of Counselling Nigeria—the event continues over a decade of commitment to mental health education, counseling, and therapy. The organizations collaborate with various public and private stakeholders to promote emotional well-being nationwide.

Amid Nigeria’s current economic hardships, mental health has become a crucial concern. Rising poverty and social pressures have adversely impacted emotional stability, especially among women and youth. Experts warn that without targeted mental health interventions, the country’s productivity and individual wellness will suffer.

“REJUVENATE 2025 is more than just a conference—it’s a nationwide movement to restore hope, resilience, and emotional health in our communities,” said Mrs. Ediri Ose-Ediale, Executive Director of Recharge Life Centre.

The roadshow will be held in four phases between June 25 and July 19, 2025.

The phases will include a Teens Mental Health and Emotional intelligence event at the International School Lagos on the 25th of June; a
Mind Hack event at the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium University of Lagos on the 8th July 2025 and the Women’s Mental Wellbeing Conference
billed for the 9th of July at the University of Lagos.

Others include the Ifo Health and Business Day event billed for the 19th of July at the Abigael Omotayo Event Centre, among others.

Organisers say that the event has been packaged and will be delivered free of charge to participants. Only registration is required.

Registration can be done via the following link: https://forms.gle/KnKT5cu3yNNGxi3d8

Empowerment

AXA Mansard Investments Sponsors ‘The Mum Fund’ Event to Empower Nigerian Mothers

by Women Times on June 4, 2025

AXA Mansard Investments Limited, a prominent asset management firm dedicated to fostering a financially empowered Nigeria, has announced its sponsorship of the upcoming ‘The Mum Fund’ event. This intimate gathering aims to equip Nigerian mothers with the knowledge and confidence to manage their financial futures effectively.

Scheduled for June 7, 2025, ‘The Mum Fund’ will convene a dynamic community of modern mothers passionate about financial literacy. The event seeks to cultivate a supportive environment for community building, mindset transformation, and practical financial education. Attendees will engage in open discussions, receive expert advice, and connect with other like-minded women on the journey toward building generational wealth.

“Financial literacy is a vital life skill, especially for women who are at the heart of their families and influence future generations,” said Adebola Surakat, Chief Marketing Officer at AXA Mansard. “Our sponsorship of this event underscores our dedication to closing the financial literacy gap and equipping everyday Nigerians with the tools needed to make informed financial choices.”

Surakat emphasized, “We believe ‘The Mum Fund’ has the potential to spark meaningful change by bringing mothers into a safe, empowering space. The impact extends beyond individual financial well-being, contributing to societal prosperity. We are proud to support such transformative initiatives.”

As a longstanding advocate for financial education, AXA Mansard Investments continues investing in platforms and collaborations that promote financial stability and wealth creation, particularly among women in Nigeria.

Organized by MoneyStart, an award-winning personal finance education platform, and Swaddle, an AI-powered digital support tool for mothers, ‘The Mum Fund’ aims to inspire and empower women to take charge of their financial destinies.

Empowerment Uncategorized

Nigerian Women Dive into Tech Training as Empowerment Program Kicks Off in Lagos.

by Women Times on April 9, 2025

By Prosper Mene, April 9, 2025

One day after its celebrated launch, the free tech training program for 300 Nigerian women, spearheaded by Honourable Kafilat Ogbara in partnership with New Horizons, is already making waves in Lagos. The initiative, which began yesterday, April 8, 2025, has transitioned from a visionary announcement to a bustling reality as the first cohort of women started their six-month journey into coding, cybersecurity, and digital marketing at a state-of-the-art training facility in the city’s tech hub.

The program, designed to bridge Nigeria’s gender gap in the tech sector, welcomed participants with an orientation session that set the tone for what’s to come. “I felt a mix of excitement and nerves walking in, but seeing so many women like me, ready to learn, made me feel unstoppable,” shared Aisha Ibrahim, a 24-year-old participant from Ikeja who spoke at the launch. Her opinion speaks the broader energy in the room, where women from diverse backgrounds, some fresh graduates, others pivoting careers, gathered with laptops open, ready to seize this opportunity.

Honourable Kafilat Ogbara, an advocate for women’s empowerment and the driving force behind the initiative, visited the training center today to check on the program’s progress. “Yesterday was about inspiration; today is about action,” she told the trainees. “You are the future of Nigeria’s tech industry, and I’m proud to see you take this step.” Ogbara’s partnership with New Horizons, a leading IT training provider, ensures the program is fully funded, removing financial barriers that often keep women out of tech education.

The curriculum, tailored to meet industry demands, includes hands-on projects and mentorship from seasoned professionals. Trainers at New Horizons emphasized that the goal isn’t just to teach skills but to prepare these women for real-world roles in Nigeria’s booming digital economy, which is projected to contribute billions in the coming years. “We’re not just teaching them to code or secure networks, we’re building confidence and career pathways,” said Tim Akano, CEO of New Horizons, during a tour of the facility.

The initiative tallies with broader national efforts to skill up Nigeria’s workforce, such as Microsoft’s commitment to train one million Nigerians in AI by 2026. However, what sets this program apart is its focus on gender equity, addressing the underrepresentation of women in tech.

Empowerment News Uncategorized Women Empowerment Women in Nigeria

New Initiative to Empower 48,000 Women in Nigeria’s Katsina State Amid Economic and Security Challenges.

by Women Times on April 3, 2025

By Prosper Mene

A beacon of hope emerged for women in northern Nigeria today as the Women Initiative for Northern Nigeria Development unveiled an ambitious plan to support 48,000 women across 16 local government areas in Katsina State. The initiative, announced on April 3, 2025, aims to bolster economic opportunities in a region long hampered by insecurity and scarce resources, offering a lifeline to women seeking financial independence.

The program targets some of Katsina’s most underserved communities, where banditry, poverty, and limited infrastructure have disproportionately affected women’s livelihoods. By providing training, resources, and access to markets, the initiative seeks to bridge the economic gap that has left many women in the region struggling to support their families. Specific details on funding and implementation timelines are yet to be fully disclosed, but organizers say the effort will prioritize sustainable growth.

The move aligns with broader national commitments to uplift Nigerian women, syncing pledges made by President Bola Tinubu and other leaders during last month’s International Women’s Day events. In March, Tinubu emphasized dismantling systemic barriers and expanding women’s access to finance and governance roles, a vision this initiative aims to put into action. Katsina, a state in Nigeria’s northwest, has been a focal point for such efforts, given its high rates of poverty and gender disparity.

Local women’s advocates have welcomed the announcement, though some caution that success hinges on addressing the region’s security challenges. “Economic empowerment is vital, but it’s hard to thrive when you’re living in fear,” said Amina Yusuf, a community leader in Katsina. “This must go hand in hand with peace.”

The Women Initiative for Northern Nigeria Development’s plan marks a significant step toward gender equity in a region where opportunities for women have historically been limited. As the program rolls out, all eyes will be on Katsina to see if it can deliver on its promise of transformation amid the area’s complex realities.

Empowerment

YP4T Spreads Eid Joy, Distributes 2,000 Bags of Rice to Support Muslims and Widows in Lagos Police Barracks

by Women Times on April 2, 2025

Embracing the values of unity and compassion during the Eid festivities, Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T) has successfully distributed over 2,000 bags of rice to mosques and homes within police barracks throughout Lagos. This initiative, spearheaded by YP4T members, aims to provide essential food support to Muslim communities and widows, aligning with the group’s commitment to community engagement under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The rice distribution spanned major mosques in Ikeja, Ilupeju, Surulere, Ojuelegba, and Bariga, with particular attention given to reaching widows and vulnerable families within the barracks. The effort ensured that all community members could celebrate the festive season with dignity and support.

YP4T’s initiative serves not just as a seasonal act of generosity, but as a testament to the group’s dedication to inclusive development and grassroots nation-building. Volunteers worked closely with mosque leaders and local resident associations to guarantee that the distribution was carried out efficiently and respectfully.

Alex Oware, the National Coordinator for the initiative, emphasized the mission: “Our goal is simple—no one should feel forgotten during a time of celebration. This rice distribution represents more than just food; it symbolizes dignity, community, and the importance of making our people feel seen and supported. The mosques in our police barracks are vital gathering spaces, and we wanted to meet people where they are. At YP4T, we believe that small, consistent acts of care are the cornerstone of nation-building.”

Founded to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a more inclusive and economically empowered Nigeria, YP4T comprises Nigerian professionals from both home and abroad who are dedicated to grassroots development and civic engagement. The organization continues to implement impactful initiatives, including civic education, student grants, healthcare outreach, and seasonal support programs like this rice distribution.

Community members expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support during this sacred season. One widow from Surulere shared, “This kind of kindness shows that people remember us. This food will feed my children, and I feel deeply appreciated.”

Mosque leaders across the barracks commended YP4T for its thoughtful and inclusive approach. In several instances, the rice was not only distributed but also shared communally after prayers, further strengthening community bonds.

The Eid rice distribution is one of many efforts under YP4T’s humanitarian support program, which operates year-round to assist vulnerable populations in urban and rural areas. Earlier this year, the organization conducted a medical and care outreach program that benefited over 2,000 residents in Ikeja, providing free healthcare, food packages, and financial assistance. Looking ahead, YP4T plans to launch an educational grant program for final-year secondary school students across Nigeria, reinforcing its belief that development must be people-centered, inclusive, and sustainable.

As Nigeria continues to navigate its future, initiatives like these highlight the spirit of community service and collective responsibility that YP4T embodies.

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Nigerian Chess Master Tunde Onakoya Pledges to Fund Education of Young Girl in Ikoyi Child Labor Case.

by Women Times on April 1, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Tunde Onakoya, the renowned Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has stepped forward with a heartfelt promise to sponsor the education of an 11-year-old girl whose story recently captured national attention. The girl, seen sweeping the streets of Ikoyi alongside her mother, sparked widespread debate after her mother faced criticism for involving her in what many labeled as child labor. Onakoya’s gesture has since turned the spotlight from controversy to hope, offering the young girl a transformative opportunity.

The incident unfolded when a video of the girl working with her mother, a street sweeper in the affluent Ikoyi neighborhood, went viral. While some condemned the mother for exposing her daughter to labor instead of ensuring her education, others highlighted the harsh realities of poverty that often leave families with little choice. Amid the polarized reactions, Onakoya, known for his commitment to uplifting underprivileged children, saw a chance to make a difference.

“I believe every child deserves a shot at a better future, no matter their circumstances,” Onakoya said in a statement. “This young girl’s story moved me, and I’m honored to step in and support her education. It’s not just about one child, it’s about showing what’s possible when we invest in our youth.

Onakoya, who made history in 2024 by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon to raise funds for children’s education, has pledged to cover the girl’s schooling costs through his nonprofit organization, Chess in Slums Africa. The initiative, which uses chess as a tool to teach critical thinking and life skills, has already impacted thousands of children across the continent.

Details of the sponsorship are still being finalized, but sources close to Onakoya indicate it will include tuition, books, and other essentials to ensure the girl can attend school without financial burden. The move has been met with widespread praise, with many lauding Onakoya as a beacon of compassion and action in a country grappling with educational disparities.

The girl’s mother, whose identity remains private, reportedly expressed gratitude for the offer, noting that her intention was never to exploit her daughter but to survive in the face of economic hardship. “I just wanted to teach her hard work,” she said, according to a local report. “Now she has a chance I could never give her.”

Onakoya’s heartfelt help comes at the right time, a time when child labor remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with millions of children out of school due to poverty, conflict, and systemic challenges. His promise not only offers a lifeline to one family but also reignites conversations about the need for broader solutions to ensure education for all.

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Nigeria’s First Female Mechanic Empowers a New Generation.

by Women Times on March 28, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Sandra Aguebor never fit the mold. Growing up in Benin City in the 1970s, she traded dolls for engines, dreaming of a life under the hood rather than in the kitchen. Today, at 50-something, she’s not just Nigeria’s first female mechanic—she’s a trailblazer who’s handed wrenches to hundreds of women, defying norms and rewriting futures through her Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI).

Aguebor’s journey began at 13, sparked by a recurring dream she says came from divine inspiration: Jesus teaching her to fix cars. Her father balked; her mother beat her for tinkering instead of cooking. “They thought I was mad,” she recalls with a wry smile, her hands still stained with grease. But in 1983, she stepped into a local garage in old Bendel State, a teenage girl among men who’d fixed Peugeot 404s for generations. “They laughed at first, then they taught me,” she says. Six years later, she was a pro.

The road wasn’t smooth. “I had to work five times harder than the men,” Aguebor told CNN in 2020, recounting the skepticism and outright dismissal she faced. After stints at Edo Line and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, she launched Sandex Car Care Garage in the mid-90s. Success brought attention—and demolition. When authorities razed her first workshop, she turned her car into a mobile repair unit, proving grit outlasts concrete.

In 2004, Aguebor channeled that grit into the Lady Mechanic Initiative, a mission to empower vulnerable women orphans, trafficking survivors, former sex workers with the skills to fix cars and reclaim their lives. “I wanted to teach them how to fish,” she says, echoing a philosophy of independence. Over two decades, LMI has trained more than 1,000 women across five states, from Lagos to Kano. Graduates like Joy Amuche, now a mechanic in Edo, credit Aguebor with their transformation. “She made me who I am,” says Mary Sunday, another alumna.

The impact is tangible. Clients flock to LMI-trained mechanics, drawn by their precision and determination. “They’re better than some men who take the job for granted,” Aguebor notes, pride in her voice. Her vision stretches further: to mentor 100,000 women across Africa by 2030, smashing gender ceilings one oil change at a time.

Yet, challenges linger. Nigeria’s bureaucracy has uprooted her garage more than once, and cultural resistance still brands mechanics’ work as “unladylike.” Aguebor shrugs it off. “The obstacles became my opportunity,” she told Al Jazeera in 2015. Recognized with awards from Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and a national merit honor, she’s no longer an oddity but an icon.

Today, as she patrols her bustling Lagos workshop, Aguebor sees more than engines. She sees women like herself—defiant, skilled, and free. “My Nigeria is where women do what men say we can’t,” she declares. For her and her trainees, every revved engine roars a truth: stereotypes don’t stand a chance against a woman with a wrench.

Empowerment News Uncategorized Women Empowerment

Senator Natasha’s Ramadan Relief: Generosity or Political Play?

by Women Times on March 24, 2025

By Prosper Mene

As the sun lowers it’s head in Kogi Central this week, signaling the breaking of the Ramadan fast, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan brought a different kind of light to her constituents: 2,400 bags of grains. The haul—1,200 bags of beans and 1,200 bags of millet—was distributed across the five local government areas of Okene, Okehi, Adavi, Ajaokuta, and Ogori-Magongo, a gesture her team billed as a non-partisan act of support during tough economic times. But in a district buzzing with political tension, not everyone sees it as pure benevolence.

For recipients like Fatima Bello, a widow in Adavi, the provisions were a godsend. “Food p

rices are high, and Ramadan makes it harder. This beans will feed my children for days,” she said, her gratitude mirrored by dozens of others who lined up to receive their share. Represented by her aide Abdulrahman Badamasiu, Senator Natasha, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker and Kogi’s first female senator, insisted the aid was about fulfilling her duty. “It’s for everyone—PDP, APC, or no party at all,” Badamasiu relayed on her behalf, a nod to inclusivity in a politically divided region.

The timing, however, has tongues wagging. Natasha’s tenure has been anything but smooth since her 2023 election. Earlier this month, she was suspended from the Senate for six months without pay after alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio—a charge he denies—prompting a storm of controversy. Meanwhile, a recall effort by some constituents hit a snag when a Federal High Court in Lokoja halted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding, with Natasha’s allies claiming the signatures were fabricated. Against this backdrop, the grain distribution feels to some like a well-timed strategy.
“She’s been quiet since the suspension, and now this? It’s convenient,” mused Yusuf Ibrahim, a shopkeeper in Okene. Social media echoes his skepticism, with it’s users debating whether the senator is shoring up support amid whispers of a recall. Others point to her record—scholarships, vocational training, and advocacy for the Ajaokuta Steel Company—as proof she’s always been about service, not just survival. “This is who she is,” said Aisha Muhammed, a supporter at the distribution site. “People forget the good when drama takes over.”

Her critics, including APC Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West, see it differently. Karimi, who has traded barbs with Natasha over her suspension, recently called her actions a stain on Kogi’s reputation. Yet, the Concerned Constituents of Kogi Central, a pro-Natasha group, hit back, praising her “unwavering commitment” and teasing upcoming empowerment programs as evidence of her focus.

As bags of millet and beans settle into homes, the jury is out in Kogi Central. Is this a senator doubling down on her promise to serve, or a politician fighting to keep her seat? For now, the provisions offer tangible relief in a season of fasting and reflection—but they’ve also stirred a feast of opinions that Natasha’s next steps will need to digest.

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Nigerian Diaspora Women Illuminate Global Stage at STEM Conference.

by Women Times on March 19, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Nigerian women in the diaspora claimed the spotlight today at the 2025 Women in STEM Conference in London, showcasing groundbreaking innovations and reinforcing their role as trailblazers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The event, held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, drew hundreds of attendees from across the globe, with Nigerian voices resonating powerfully amid discussions on bridging the gender gap in STEM fields.

Dr. Ngozi Okeke, a UK-based engineer originally from Lagos, captivated the audience with her keynote address, unveiling a prototype for a low-cost solar energy system designed to electrify rural African communities. “Growing up with unreliable power taught me resilience and ingenuity,” she said, dedicating her work to the next generation of Nigerian girls dreaming of STEM careers. Her presentation earned a standing ovation, with attendees noting its potential to revolutionize energy access in developing regions.

Meanwhile, Tolu Adebayo, a software developer from Ibadan now living in Manchester, led a workshop on artificial intelligence applications for healthcare, highlighting a new algorithm she developed to improve early disease detection in underserved populations. “This is about using tech to save lives where it’s needed most,” Adebayo told reporters, emphasizing her roots as a driving force behind her innovation.

The conference, coinciding with ongoing global efforts following International Women’s Day earlier this month, underscored the contributions of Nigerian diaspora women to tackling worldwide challenges. Organizers praised their presence as a testament to the growing influence of African women in STEM, with one panelist remarking, “These women are not just participating—they’re leading.”

Back in Nigeria, the event sparked pride and conversation online, with hashtags like #NigerianWomenInSTEM trending as citizens celebrated their compatriots’ achievements abroad. The success of Okeke, Adebayo, and others at today’s conference highlights the vital role of the Nigerian diaspora in shaping a more inclusive and innovative global STEM landscape.