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Waste to Wealth: GTCO Plc Launches Gas Project to Empower Women in Ogun State

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a bold move to tackle environmental pollution and uplift underserved communities, GTCO Plc, a leading Nigerian conglomerate, launched an ambitious waste-for-gas project on Saturday, distributing 3,000 gas cylinders to women in Ogun State. The initiative, unveiled in Abeokuta, blends sustainability with economic empowerment, offering a lifeline to women in low-income areas while addressing Nigeria’s waste management challenges.

The project, spearheaded by GTCO’s sustainability arm, transforms household and market waste into clean-burning gas, which is then packaged into cylinders for domestic use. At the launch event, attended by local leaders, environmentalists, and beneficiaries, GTCO officials handed out the first batch of 3,000 cylinders to women from underserved communities, many of whom rely on firewood or kerosene for cooking—a practice linked to health risks and deforestation.

“We’re turning waste into opportunity,” said Segun Agbaje, GTCO’s Group Chief Executive Officer, in a keynote address. “This project not only reduces environmental harm but also empowers women economically by giving them access to cleaner, safer energy. It’s a win for the planet and the people.”

The initiative targets women as primary beneficiaries, recognizing their central role in household energy use and their vulnerability to the health impacts of traditional cooking methods. According to the Nigerian Ministry of Environment, indoor air pollution from biomass fuels claims thousands of lives annually, disproportionately affecting women and children. By providing gas cylinders, GTCO aims to curb these risks while fostering financial independence—some recipients will reportedly sell surplus gas in their communities.

One beneficiary, 42-year-old trader Idayat Adebayo from Ijebu-Ode, beamed with excitement as she received her cylinder. “This will save me money and time,” she said. “No more smoke in my lungs or searching for firewood. I can even make a small business out of it.”

The waste-for-gas model also tackles Ogun State’s mounting waste problem. With urban centers like Abeokuta generating tons of refuse daily, GTCO’s processing plants convert organic waste into biogas, reducing landfill pressure and greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental experts at the event praised the dual impact, though some called for more data on the project’s scalability.

“This is innovative, but we need to know how many plants are operational and how much waste they can handle,” noted Dr. Funmi Adeyemi, an environmental scientist based in Lagos. “If it scales, it could be a game-changer for Nigeria.”

GTCO has not disclosed the project’s full cost or the timeline for future phases, but company representatives hinted at plans to expand nationwide.

Local leaders in Ogun State welcomed the initiative, with the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Motunrayo Adeleye, describing it as “a step toward sustainable development that prioritizes our women.” She added, “We’re eager to partner with GTCO to ensure this reaches every corner of the state.”

For the women of Ogun State, the cylinders represent more than just fuel—they’re a symbol of progress. As the launch concluded, the hum of celebration filled the air, coupled with the promise of cleaner kitchens and brighter futures.

 

 

 

 

 

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Health

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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Empowerment

First Lady Launches Empowerment Initiative for 500 Women in Nasarawa State

by Women Times on

In a significant move to uplift women’s livelihoods, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women in Nasarawa State by distributing essential household items aimed at enhancing their business operations.

The event, held in Lafia, the state’s capital, marked the official launch of the initiative, underscoring the First Lady’s dedication to promoting women’s economic empowerment and enabling them to succeed in their ventures.

This initiative is just the beginning of a nationwide effort to support women. The empowerment packages, which included deep freezers, gas cookers, standing ovens, grinding machines, and generators, were distributed to the vulnerable beneficiaries through the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, in partnership with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Representing the First Lady, Mrs. Silifat Abdullahi Sule, the wife of the Nasarawa State governor, urged recipients to use the items wisely to benefit their families and communities. “These items were sent by the First Lady for you to benefit,” she emphasized, adding that beneficiaries must provide their forms with photographs before collecting the items.

Mrs. Elsie Monde, the Special Adviser on Women Affairs, thanked the First Lady and encouraged women to utilize the items for self-empowerment rather than selling them. She praised the women’s resilience and their crucial role in nation-building, urging for collective efforts to strengthen the country.

Mr. Emmanuel Yonah, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, commended Hajiya Silifat for her role in coordinating the empowerment initiative and highlighted the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Beneficiaries Liatu Abari from Lafia LGA and Mohammed Hauwa from Toto LGA expressed their gratitude to the First Lady for the support and pledged to make the most of the items provided.

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Empowerment

Polaris Bank, Partners Present School Essentials to Gbaja Girls Secondary Schools in Lagos

by Women Times on

Polaris Bank and one of its strategic CSR partners, Evolve Trust Charity recently stormed Gbaja Girls (Junior and Senior) High School, Surulere, Lagos in continuation of its presentation of school essentials programme to selected public school students in the country.

The partnership which birthed in 2021 and primarily focused on empowering the girl-child and their male counterparts has reached over 15,000 students across 35 public schools in nine states including Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Imo and FCT, Abuja. Amongst other things, the initiative includes empowering young learners with brain training techniques and emotional intelligence education alongside making and distributing user-sized school essentials (bags, uniforms, sandals, books, and pens). The initiative also captures training of teachers in the respective schools, all sponsored by the Bank.

Speaking at the presentation on Wednesday, the Bank’s Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah emphasized that the Bank being a signatory to United Nations’ (UN) Principles for Responsible Banking aligns its practices and strategies with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement thus igniting its sustained interests in the training of the girl-child.

According to data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), there are about 10.5 million out of school children in Nigeria with six million of them being girls.

“This event is not just about distributing educational materials but empowering girls for bigger roles because educated girls grow into informed women. At Polaris Bank, we are committed to bridging the educational gap, empowering girls and building sustainability aligning with global framework,” she said.

The Executive Director further charged the students to embrace the opportunities inherent in education while stating that the Bank will stop at nothing to support them.

“Education is most powerful tool at your disposal and you have to utilize it to the maximum. Polaris Bank will not relent in supporting this laudable mission to empower girls who will drive the needed change to better our country and world. This intervention is in line with the Bank’s ongoing sustainability efforts aimed at reducing out-of-school children population and increasing access to quality education, especially for the girl-child and we urge you all to take full advantage,” Ozoma noted.

Also speaking, Programme Manager at Evolve Charity Trust, Ejeh Godwin thanked Polaris Bank for keying into the Trust’s mission of supporting the girl-child nationwide. Godwin noted that while the initiative commenced in 2020, Polaris Bank partnered in 2021 and the Bank has never for once backed out since then.

“I want to specially appreciate Polaris Bank for their tremendous support since 2021 that the partnership started. We couldn’t have done this alone nor come this far without their support. We’ve expanded our reach and hope to even bring more schools in other states on board this year, all thanks to Polaris Bank,” Ejeh said.

The Principal, Gbaja Girls Junior High School, Mrs Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo in her remarks also appreciated Polaris Bank for including the school in the intervention programme.

“I want to specially thank Polaris Bank on behalf of staff and students for finding us worthy of benefitting from this laudable programme. You can feel the energy in the hall that the students are happy and so are the staff. This has boosted our morale, and we are incredibly happy about it,” the Principal enthused.

One of the beneficiaries and Assistant Senior Girl of the school, Bankole Oreofeoluwa Emmanuella also thanked the Bank for symbolic gesture while promising to put the items into judicious use.

“My friends and I are happy about this gesture from Polaris Bank, and we can’t thank the Bank enough. These items will further ease our learning, and we promise to not only put them to judicious use, but imbibe good maintenance culture,” Bankole said.

Highlight of the event was presentation of the items to students by officials of Polaris Bank and Evolve Charity Trust.

 

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Empowerment

EDC, Mastercard Foundation Empower 12 Female-Led Agro Firms with Grants

by Women Times on

In a bid to address some innovative ideas across the agricultural value chain and help accelerate and create new opportunities for young female entrepreneurs in the sector, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, GEN Nigeria and Mastercard Foundation, have strengthened the Agro-Hack Challenge initiative by rewarding twelve female-led agro firms in Nigeria.

At the 5th edition of the Agro-Hack Challenge held at the EDC office recently, All Green Limited emerged the winner and won the grand prize of one million Naira (N1, 000,000). In second place, Glorious Farm Gate won the sum of seven hundred and fifty thousand naira (N750,000) while Vickey Goshen Eco Farm emerged second runner-up with the sum of five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000).

Meanwhile, nine other firms were rewarded with a sum of one hundred thousand (N100,000) each for participating in the challenge.

Participating firms across the 6 geo-political zones in Nigeria at the 5th edition of the Agro-Hack Challenge includes: Market AI, Juvison Enterprise, Glorious Farm Gate, Elafagon Nigeria Limited, Vickey Goshen Eco Farm, Yar Galadimas Business Empire, Sehaj Energy Resource, Mrs Muna Rice Shield, Triple A, Farm Box, Awari Olounge Omode and All Green Ivy Limited.

Speaking during the pitch session, Dr Nnena Ugwu Head of Alumni Relations and Support Services/ Member of EDC Management Board stated that “This event is organized to see how they can help to address innovative ideas across the agricultural value chain and help accelerate and create new opportunity for these very young Nigerians particularly, the female-led agro value chain companies.”

According to her, “The programme was initially designed for both male and female led agro businesses but this one is only female led agro businesses. It is a segment that we are interested in because women are not really interested in agricultural business and to encourage them, we have to design a programme to address their needs.”

So, they go through different accelerator programmes such as boot camp, mentoring sessions to help them with business support and on how to navigate the challenges associated with agro value chain in Nigeria and globally.

Agro-hack challenge is organized by EDC and GEN Nigeria in partnership with Mastercard Foundation to assist female entrepreneurs and SMEs navigate the murky waters of the agricultural value chain while empowering and transforming young Nigerians especially, the female-led agro businesses.

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Empowerment

Women-Owned MSMEs: DBN, French Development Agency Team Up to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

by Women Times on

In recognition of their pivotal role in fostering economic growth, innovation and social equity, Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN) and the French Republic and the French Development Agency (AFD) have teamed up to empower Nigerian women entrepreneurs.

On December 11th, 2023, under the high patronage of His Excellency, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, DBN’s Managing Director, Dr Tony Okpanachi and AFD’s Country Director, Xavier Muron convened at DBN’s Headquarters in Abuja to sign a €50 million credit line and a €825 000 technical assistance and capacity building grant. Through these financings, the two institutions are collaborating to provide tailor-made tools to strengthen access to financing for women MSMEs while developing a gender mainstreaming approach with financial and non-financial services specifically adapted to women’s needs.

As a public development bank, DBN constitutes a strategic stakeholder to better take into consideration gender issues within the financial sector and support the financing of MSMEs contributing to the empowerment of women.
Dr. Tony Okpanachi, highlighting DBN’s role and commitment to empowering women in Nigeria stated: “At Development Bank of Nigeria, we are unwavering in our commitment to empowering women MSMEs in Nigeria. We believe that women are the backbone of our economy, and by supporting them, we are not only promoting gender equality but driving sustainable economic growth.”

“Our bank is dedicated to providing financial inclusion and access to capital for women entrepreneurs, thereby enabling them to grow their businesses and create jobs. We are also passionate about supporting the girl child, recognising that education and economic empowerment are key to unlocking their full potential.”

Xavier Muron, AFD’s Country Director, took the opportunity to highlight that “by providing women with tools, resources, network and mentorship, AFD is committed to participating in the creation of a more inclusive and resilient global economy while encouraging women to bring their unique perspectives and ideas to the table.”

The project provides a unique approach to support DBN in catalyzing financing towards MSMEs and in particular underserved clients. To this point, part of the financing will be exclusively allocated to first-time borrowers. In addition, priority for access to financing and capacity building to micro and small enterprises has been a strong focus of the design of this financial product. Lastly, the credit line aims at providing medium to long-term financing to what is today a much-underserved segment of the population.

All in all, the support to DBN in its role as a second-tier public development bank will make it possible to seek a transformational movement to integrate gender issues and redirect financial flows within the Nigerian financial system via the PFIs.

With this in mind, it was only natural that this highly anticipated event occurred during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (25 November – 12 December). Indeed, research has proven that reducing economic dependence, promoting gender equality and empowering gender champions, are some of the key structural solutions to fight against the symptoms and the roots of GBV. To this point, M. Marc Fonbaustier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria reiterated the long-term commitment of France to support all of its partners towards “economic empowerment of women as it builds independence, increases confidence and provides for a more equal world.”

Dr. Okpanachi acknowledged the dedication of France and AFD, to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation of this program: “DBN welcomes this partnership as it shows the strong will of key partners to implement Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality and empowerment of all women and girls. The partnership underscores a collective action to work together towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.”

Meanwhile, Mr Muron commended “the professional approach adopted by DBN which led to this signing ceremony which is the beginning of a very crucial program which will, without a doubt, enhance the capacity of DBN, the Participating Financial Institutions and the Women MSMEs benefiting from it.”

Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is a wholesale development finance institution set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in collaboration with global development partners to address the major financing challenges facing Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. DBN’s objective is to alleviate financing constraints faced by MSMEs and small Corporations in Nigeria through the provision of financing and partial credit guarantees to eligible financial intermediaries on a market-conforming and fully financially sustainable basis.

The Agence Française de Développement (AFD – French Development Agency) funds, supports, and accelerates the transitions to a fairer and more sustainable world – aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on climate, biodiversity, peace, education, urban development, health and governance, our teams carry out more than 4,000 projects in France’s overseas departments and territories and another 115 countries. In this way, it contributes to the commitment of France and the French people to support sustainable development goals.

AFD has been present in Nigeria since 2008 with its main office based in Abuja along with an additional branch in Lagos. Its main sectors of intervention in the country are financial services, energy, higher education & vocational training, agriculture, water supply as well as clean transportation. For more information, visit https://www.afd.fr/en.

Essentially, gender equality is a priority for the French government. Internationally, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs delivers on this commitment through its feminist foreign policy. France is advocating gender equality in international forums and wants this goal to be taken into account in all issues, including inequality reduction and sustainable development, peace and security, defence and promotion of fundamental rights, and climate and economic issues. By 2025, France is committed to ensuring that 75% of the projects funded by France’s official development assistance help to improve gender equality.

The collaboration between DBN and AFD will no doubt impact women-owned businesses in Nigeria by addressing not only their financing challenge but their capacity to scale as well.

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Empowerment

CBA Foundation: Advocating and Caring For Widows

by Women Times on

In a society where widows are most times neglected, dejected, and isolated, Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation, a non-governmental organisation founded to promote the support of widows and disadvantaged children in the society, has expressed its continued support to give hope and strength to widows and disadvantaged children in the society.

Protecting Widows should be the collective responsibility of government, corporate bodies, and even individuals so as
to safeguard widows’ rights and well-being.

CBA Foundation for almost a decade has been dedicated to the widows and to bring their hardships into the public eye to drive a change.

The Foundation has continued to be their backbone, giving succor and strength to thousands of underprivileged people.

The hardships of thousands of widows spread across the country should not be overlooked or ignored.

More institutions like CBA Foundation with well-defined structures and government support need to be established to ensure that the virality of such avoidable hardships is greatly controlled.

Underprivileged widows run to the established systems seeking help and protection, and yet nothing happens.

CBA Foundation is an organization with a difference; a tested and trusted institution with
transparency. When issues are brought forward, it is handled with a clear strategy, framework, and implementation plan on how it will be followed through.

Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, Founder of
CBA Foundation who just organized a road walk tagged Walk4Hope2024 on Saturday, the 7th of December, 2024 has urged the Government to introduce different economic issues and reforms on the table that will help the plight of widows and the less privileged especially.

Since 2015 till date, CBA foundation has been touching lives positively.

The foundation asserts: “We stand for #EndBrutality #EndDehumanisation on all grounds.

In her own words, Founder, Chinwe Bode-Akinwande stated:
“These widows are dehumanised painfully. Nothing happens because they are vulnerable. These widows are maltreated, and nothing happens. This is the time to speak up, listen, represent right, and see through the solution we seek. We need to hear the plans, see actions, and what timelines are in place? Be bold to ask the public to track and hold those in authority accountable. ”

 

In addition, Chinwe said:
“Empowering the voice and position of the underprivileged widows in the society through partnerships, empowerment, and capacity building has been our core mandate. We reach out to the widows through medical outreach, skill acquisition training , food and clothing distribution, and one -on-one counseling.

“We reinstate the children of the widows who have dropped out of school back to school and support in paying school fees of some.

women empowerment
We are committed to empowering women in skill acquisition.
health intervention
We support the sick and promote health and healthy living for humanity
basic quality education.

We support efforts to provide equitable access to quality education, “Chinwe emphasized.

“Approximately 70% of our proceeds go towards setting up business for underprivileged widows, skill acquisition training, medical outreach , food distribution ,educational support of children, and advocacy. Our audited books are up to date and readily available to be shared upon request, “concluded Chinwe Bode-Akinwande.

It is worthy of note that CBA Foundation has made a tremendous impact so far.

Since 2015 to date, CBA Foundation has consistently engaged in outreaches, which are embedded under our 5 point agenda.

Here’s a glance of our outreaches so far:

(1)
9,866
widows lives touched through
Women Empowerment/ Capacity Building scheme

(2)
5,585
widows supported through our
Health Intervention Administered

(3)
12,360
underprivileged widows
Nutrition:
Distributed food

(4)
169
children reinstated in school under the
Quality Basic
Education scheme

(5)
292
widows financially empowered under the
Self-Employment
Scheme

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Empowerment

TD Africa to Empower 400 Young Women with Tech Skills

by Women Times on

At least 400 young Nigerian women are about to get a digital boost as TD Africa flags off registration for TecHERdemy.

TecHERdemy is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative designed by Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading distributor of tech solutions, TD Africa, to empower young Nigerian women with the requisite skills to thrive in the dynamic digital age.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, TecHERdemy will provide 400 women the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive six-month training program focused on in-demand tech fields like cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and software development.

The move, which is in tandem with the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) annual “Girls in ICT” awareness program, provides a launchpad for fresh graduates, especially serving Corps members, to kickstart their careers in the tech space by helping the young women further understand what a career in tech today really means.

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy, in a tweet said: “Another great opportunity from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for our women in Nigeria to benefit from in collaboration with TD Africa. This is an opportunity for young women interested in tech skills such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, AI and Software Development. Kindly take hold of this opportunity and apply.”

According to Mrs. Chioma Chimere, Coordinating Managing Director of TD Africa, women need to be aware of what is most important for their future.

Her words: “At TD Africa, we believe that technology is a powerful tool for social and economic progress. However, we also recognise the glaring gender gap in the tech industry. By investing in the education and empowerment of young Nigerian women, we are nurturing future tech leaders who will contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society.”

Beyond the comprehensive training, TecHERdemy offers participants unique opportunities for growth and career advancement with exposure to global brands like Cisco, Microsoft, and Huawei. Trainees will have the chance to secure instant job placements or internships after completion of the program through a high-level engagement with the hundreds of corporates within TD Africa’s ecosystem.

This initiative is a testament to TD Africa’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape. It aims to help bridge the gender gap in the dynamic tech sector and create a brighter future for generations to come.

Interested participants can apply and learn more at https://tdafrica.com/TecHERdemy.

 

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Empowerment

Polaris Bank Provides Free Breast Cancer Screening for 250 Nigerian Women

by Women Times on

Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail commercial Bank, has announced the sponsorship of free breast cancer screening for 250 Nigerian women, in commemoration of 2024 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This initiative underscores Polaris Bank’s unwavering commitment to women’s health and is part of the Bank’s long-standing efforts and intervention to support breast cancer awareness behavioral change, advocacy and prevention in Nigeria.

For over a decade, working with its NGO Partner, Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), Polaris Bank has been a leader in breast cancer advocacy, behavioral change communication, funding support and the screening of more than 20,000 women across the country. This year’s sponsorship further supports the Bank’s mission to ensure that more women, particularly those with limited access to healthcare, have the opportunity for early detection, which is vital for successful treatment and survival.

“Breast cancer continues to pose a significant threat to women, not just in Nigeria, but globally. As a responsible corporate organization, we understand the importance of early detection, and we are committed to empowering women with access to this life-saving screening. Our partnership with C.O.P.E. is integral to making this service accessible to more women,” the Bank stated.

Aligned with United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on preventing needless suffering from preventable diseases and premature death, Polaris Bank is taking a crucial step by funding free breast cancer screenings for women in underserved regions.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early detection of breast cancer increases survival rates and reduces treatment costs, making Polaris Bank’s initiative a vital contribution towards improving health outcomes and reducing breast cancer-related mortality in Nigeria.

This year’s screening programme reflects Polaris Bank’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda, which focuses on key areas like health, education, and youth/women empowerment; and community development. The Bank has consistently invested in causes that positively impact the lives of Nigerians, and this screening effort is yet another testament to its commitment to improving public health.
In addition to the screenings, the Bank continues to champion breast cancer awareness through education, advocacy, behavioural change and outreach, encouraging women to engage in regular self-examinations and seek medical attention promptly. This holistic approach to advocacy aims to build a healthier society where early detection becomes the norm.

The 2024 free screening intervention, marks another milestone in the fight against breast cancer, as the brand remains at the forefront of efforts to combat the disease, ensuring that Nigerian women have access to the critical health resources they need.
In over decade, Polaris Bank’s footprint in the fight against cancer in Nigeria, has been described by commentators as phenomenal:

In collaboration with the Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.PE) Foundation, Polaris Bank has sponsored treatment for over 30 indigent cancer patients and provided free breast cancer screenings for over 20,000 women, including its own female staff and customers. The Bank has also donated three state-of-the-art breast cancer screening machines, improving the quality of diagnosis and clinical practices nationwide. To further raise awareness, Polaris Bank organized a 10-kilometer walk with over 2,500 participants to draw attention to the breast cancer crisis.

The Bank, as part of its ongoing commitment to health awareness and community support, previously organized an impactful event for breast cancer survivors themed ‘Celebrating Our Pink Heroes’ at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The event brought together over 50 survivors and featured music, networking, and educational and experience sharing sessions. Same exercised was repeated just last year Oct with in Ikoyi with added spice where another 50 breast cancer survivors were treated to a full spa and wellness session involving sauna bath, manicure, pedicure, healthy meals, movie and experience sharing sessions.

It provided a meaningful platform for survivors to share their experiences, raise awareness about breast cancer, survival techniques and encourage positivity among their community. The initiative also sought to educate the public and demystify myth by reducing the stigma associated with the cancer, reinforcing Polaris Bank’s dedication to social responsibility and health advocacy.

The Bank had in making life more beautiful to breast cancer survivors had in 2019, presents over a 100 units of Prosthetic bra to cancer survivors registered under the Bank’s NGO Partner @copebcnigeria C.O.P.E.
Polaris Bank, in partnership with C.O.P.E, hosted a special full spa outing for some breast cancer survivors. The event strengthened the bond between the Bank and Cancer Survivors as it offered therapeutic services such as; steam baths, massages, manicures, pedicures, and a healthy meal, along with a health talk. Experiences were also shared amongst the survivors.

In addition, Polaris Bank part financed the establishment of arguably sub-Saharan best Cancer Hospital, Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital (MRCC).

Overall, the Bank’s initiatives reflect its dedication to responsible business practices, integrating social and environmental considerations into its operations, and ensuring a net positive impact on both society and the environment.

Women interested in taking part in the free screening exercise should visit our website or click the link below, or follow us on our social media pages @polarisbankltd for more information and registration details:

https://www.polarisbanklimited.com/breast-cancer-screening-2024/ and thereafter visit the C.O.P.E. Center at 39B, Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Screening is scheduled for third and fourth Saturday of October, 2024 and every third Saturday of every other month.

Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2023, 2022, and 2021 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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Empowerment

Fidelity Bank Trains 1,276 Women in Digital and AI Skills

by Women Times on

Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution, partnered with ImpactHER to host another round of free digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills training for businesswomen. The partnership is in line with its commitment to empowering women with relevant entrepreneurship skills.

The training, organized by ImpactHER, was held from Monday, August 19 to Friday, August 23, 2024, and successfully trained 1,276 women entrepreneurs in digital and AI.

 

Situating the importance of the training within Fidelity Bank’s strategy, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc said, “Available data points to the fact that women-led small businesses account for over 40% of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. This underscores the critical role female entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth.”

 

“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that empowering female entrepreneurs with the relevant skills to run successful businesses would go a long way in helping individuals to grow, businesses to thrive and economies to prosper in line with our mandate.”

 

The online training, delivered by ImpactHER, covered various topics related to leveraging technology for successful businesses. These included “Getting Started with Email Marketing,” “How to Harness AI for Content Creation as a Small Business Owner,” and “Branding and Positioning.”

 

Efe Ukala, Founder of ImpactHER, explained the importance of providing free training: “Statistically, women and girls are 25% less likely to leverage digital technology for basic purposes, 4 times less likely to know how to program computers, and 13 times less likely to file for technology patents. This highlights the importance of equipping African women with digital skills that can be leveraged to scale their businesses. Data shows that Africa can add 180 billion dollars to its GDP by 2025 if we close the e-commerce digital gap. By offering this training at no cost and collaborating with supporters like Fidelity Bank to reach more women, we’re working to make these vital skills accessible to women entrepreneurs who can drive this economic growth.”

 

This collaboration demonstrates Fidelity Bank and ImpactHER’s commitment to providing free, high-quality training to women entrepreneurs. By combining ImpactHER’s expertise and Fidelity Bank’s network and support for small businesses, the program aims to create lasting impact in the business community.

 

Participants praised the free program’s practical approach and the immediate applicability of the skills learned. The success of this initiative paves the way for future collaborations aimed at empowering more women entrepreneurs across Nigeria through free, accessible training programs. The August 2024 cohort brings the number of women entrepreneurs trained under the partnership to 5,719.

 

Ranked as one of the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 8.3 million customers serviced across its 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom as well as on digital banking channels.

The bank has won multiple local and international awards including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards; Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023; and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.

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