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WINBAFRICA @ 10: Experts Call for Renewed Commitment to Women’s Empowerment for Nation-Building

by Women Times on

African countries have been urged to renew their commitment to women’s empowerment as a crucial step towards nation-building.

This call was made by a former Rector of the Yaba College of Technology, Engineer Obafemi Omokungbe, in his keynote address during the 10th anniversary of the African Women Foundation for Nation Building (WINBAFRICA) held at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Omokungbe, who is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, aligned his advocacy with the broader initiative by WINBAFRICA for women’s empowerment in Africa, which aims to improve access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political participation for women. He emphasized that this multifaceted effort aims to eliminate gender inequality, uphold women’s rights, and create an environment where women can thrive socially, economically, and politically.

WINBAFRICA is a non-profit organization that implements various projects and interventions including Education First Series, Project Sapphire, Orphanage Challenge, Project Back-to-School, WINBAFRICA Monthly Round Table, WINBAFRICA Food Bank, and Monthly Newsletter production.

According to Omokungbe, the journey toward women’s empowerment in Africa involves a comprehensive approach that spans various sectors, including education, healthcare, economy, and politics. By investing in women’s empowerment, the scholar believes, African countries can cultivate a more equitable society where women can achieve their full potential and contribute to the growth and development of their nations.

He said: “These renewed commitments would require collaboration and partnership among governments, Civil Society, the Private sector and International Organizations. They include the implementation of programmes and initiatives to promote women’s entrepreneurship, access to credit, land ownership, and participation in the formal economy including targeted support for women in agriculture and small businesses. Commitment to increasing women’s representation in political leadership and decision-making positions through measures such as quotas, training programmes, and support for women’s political participation at all levels of government and comprehensive strategies to prevent and address gender-based violence including legal reforms, support services for survivors and campaigns to change social norms and attitudes that perpetuate violence against women.”

L-R: Dr Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi (founder WINBAFRICA), Osademe Victoria, pupil of Bomak International School, Surulere (Best speaker WINBAFRICA School debates 2024), Ummi Bodede (Chairperson Debate panel of Judges) during the 10th anniversary of the African Women Foundation for Nation Building (WINBAFRICA) held at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos

President, WINBAFRICA, Dr Bukola Bello-Jaiyesimi, said the event with the theme, Bridging the Gap: Celebrating a decade of Nation Building” was designed to celebrate the legacy and advancement of women’s course.

“Nation-building is an ongoing effort carried out by women of every generation. As we reflect on our accomplishments over the past decade, we remain committed to empowering future generations in all sectors of the economy. We provide tuition, teaching equipment, and other resources to young girls and boys to show them that we care about their education and that they are the ones who will continue this effort. Our ultimate goal is to promote unity and peace and to inspire hope for a better future,” she submitted.

A school debate competition between Steady Steps School in Lekki and Bomak International Schools in Surulere, Lagos highlighted the commemorative event. The two schools had made it to the final stage of the competition. Victoria Osademe of Bomak International Schools, Surulere, Lagos emerged as the best speaker of the day while Steady Steps School, Lekki won the WINBAFRICA Young Nation Builders’ Trophy (WYNBT).

During the WINBAFRICA Business Roundtable, senior secondary students of Bomak International College in Surulere, Lagos discussed Environmental Responsibility. Additionally, 20 young girls and boys were beneficiaries of the WINBAFRICA scholarship program at the event.

Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included Dr Kemi Akiyode Adebayo (BOT, WINBAFRICA), Toyin Joe Bassey (Secretary General, WINBAFRICA), Dr Oluseun Popoola (Panelist Chairperson) among others.

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Empowerment

WINBAFRICA@10 Set to Empower Women, Girls with Scholarship

by Women Times on

In its 10th year of dedicating and promoting girl-child education and empowering women and young girls in critical thinking and leadership skills in secondary schools across Africa, African Women Foundation for Nation Building, WINBAFRICA, is set for this year’s edition with the theme, Bridging the Gab: Celebrating a decade of Nation Building” on Monday, February 26, 2024 at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga center, Ikoyi, Lagos – Nigeria.

A non-governmental organization, WINBAFRICA projects, and interventions include Education First Series, Project Sapphire, Orphanage Challenge, Project Back–to–School, WINBAFRICA Monthly Round Table, WINBAFRICA Food Bank, and the Production of a Monthly Newsletter.

This year’s edition marks the milestone celebration of unbroken 10 years of service to women and girl-child which started operations in 2014. As part of lineups for this year’s celebration, WINBAFRICA has announced the annual school debate competition and scholarship programme for 20 young girls across the continent. The Schools Debate will be between Steady Steps School, Lekki, and Bomak International Schools Surulere, Lagos, who have emerged at the final stage of the competition. Both schools will be competing for WINBAFRICA YOUNG NATION BUILDERS’ TROPHY (WYNBT) in a debate.

Speaking on the initiative, which is the first event in the series of events in 2024 to commemorate its 10th anniversary, the President, WINBAFRICA, and Chief Strategist, Irachy PR, Dr. Bukola Bello-Jaiyesimi said the organization is looking forward to expanding its reach and impact, and continuing to make a difference in the lives of girls across Africa.

She noted; “Through initiatives like the scholarship program, WINBAFRICA is paving the way for a brighter future for girls and empowering them to reach their full potential. WINBAFRICA’s 10th anniversary is a testament to the organization’s dedication and commitment to promoting education and empowering women and girls in Africa.

“This year’s programme is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where girls have the opportunity to thrive and succeed, paving the way for a brighter future for girls and empowering them to reach their full potential. As we celebrate WINBAFRICA’s achievements over the past decade, let us continue to support and champion the rights of girls to education and empowerment. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.

“The school debate competition will provide a platform for girls to showcase their talents and engage in meaningful discussions on important social and economic issues facing them and the continent.”

Speaking further, Dr. Jaiyesimi revealed that aside from the Schools Debate competition, the senior secondary students of Bomak International College, Surulere, Lagos would be at the front burner discussing Environmental Responsibility during the WINBAFRICA Business Roundtable.

Founded in 2014 by a group of dedicated women led by Dr. Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi, an Entrepreneur, Pan-Africanist, and multiple award recipient with a passion for projecting women’s issues, WINBAFRICA is present in Ghana, Gambia, South Africa, and Ethiopia. The organization has been at the forefront of championing the rights of girls to education and providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. Over the past decade, the organization has impacted the lives of thousands of women and young girls in Africa through its various programs and initiatives.

WINBAFRICA has the mandate to transform African society by supporting women and girls to play significant roles in nation-building as well as creating avenues for identifying, raising, and supporting women leaders, we come together to brainstorm on issues affecting their well-being and generating practical and achievable solutions, our fundamental tenet is education.

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Empowerment

APPLY: 100 Women-Led SMEs to Get Support at the 3rd Cohort of Growth4Her

by Women Times on

Creative Space Startups, a non-profit organisation, is thrilled to announce that applications for the selection of 100 women-led SMEs in Nigeria and Cameroon are now open for the third cohort of Growth4Her. Growth4Her operates as a consortium involving Creative Space Startups, SocioCapital Impact Group, The Learning Gate, and ActivSpaces, overseeing the management of the Cohort.

Growth4Her is an investor readiness accelerator program designed to support and empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with capacity building and tools to scale up their businesses. The program has a proven track record of success, with participants from its last two cohorts transitioning from small to high-potential, fundable growth-stage businesses. The program equips women-led SME owners with investment readiness skills, connects them directly to funders, and cultivates an ecosystem that supports their businesses.

“We are excited to welcome the next generation of bold and innovative women leaders to the Growth4Her program,” says Sefunmi Obielodan, Program Manager at Creative Space Startups. “We believe that by investing in women entrepreneurs, we are not only driving economic growth but also fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for Africa.”

Africa has the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs, but the challenge lies in ensuring they receive adequate support for growth, particularly access to funding. In 2021, the African Development Bank (AfDB) reported a $42 billion gender financing gap in Africa. As an AFAWA Women Entrepreneurship Enabler funded by the AfDB’s AFAWA initiative, Growth4Her addresses this significant concern. Over the next five years, the program aims to empower 1,500 women entrepreneurs across 10 African cities, with a specific focus on Women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs).

The 100 selected women entrepreneurs will receive capacity building and mentorship, psychosocial and policy support, access to funding, media exposure and exposure to markets across Africa and beyond.

To be eligible, the business must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Be at least 51% owned by a woman.

  • Be at least 20% owned by a woman and have a woman serving as a C-Level Executive (CEO, COO, CTO, CFO, etc.).

  • Have a board of directors with at least 30% women members.

  • Have between 5 and 300 employees and operate in Cameroon or Nigeria.

  • Have annual sales between US$35,000 and US$15 million.

  • Be able to dedicate 1 week to an intensive virtual and physical bootcamp and 3 hours for mentorship engagement for a period of 8 weeks.

Women-led SMEs are invited to apply by March 6, 2024. For more details and to submit applications, please visit www.growth4her.org/apply .

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Empowerment

Experts Call for Counseling to Curb Social Anomalies as 53 Graduates from ICN

by Women Times on

Counselors, psychotherapists, and other experts have advocated for counseling to eradicate the rising cases of social anomalies like corruption, suicide, drug abuse, rape, and others in Africa.

They gave the charge at the 5th Graduation & Awards Giving Ceremony of the Institute of Counseling in Nigeria (ICN) held recently in Lagos where 53 graduated from the institute.

In her welcome address, the Provost of ICN, Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire said to have a functional society all critical stakeholders from schools to churches, mosques, hospitals, and private and public organisations including government parastatals must embrace counseling, stating that the problem of Africa is beyond poverty but ‘poverty of the mind’ and counseling will help change people’s mindset.

“Until Africans begin to think right, there is no hope of feeling or acting right, and the only solution to thinking right is cognitive reconditioning and behavioral modification. From our schools to our churches, mosques, hospitals, private and public organizations, government parastatals down to the smallest unit that makes up the society, which is the family, it is high time we embrace professional counseling. We need to go through the journey of self-discovery, work on our generational traumas, and resolve our conflicting thought patterns, only until then can we have a functional society.

“This is why I congratulate our newest world changers; you are the ones who will bring about the necessary changes needed to take Africa to its destination. Go out there and open up people’s minds to this misery called professional counseling, join us in leading the campaign of mental health awareness and help in taking Africa to the promised land,” she stated.

The Board Chairman of ICN, Wale Adefarasin added that counseling will help address social issues like divorce, domestic violence, addiction, and others if it is embraced by stakeholders. He pointed out that “For example, intending couples seek proper counseling before marriage to help manage possible anomalies in their relationships. This and many more are what counseling helps to address; unfortunately, the awareness is not on the line to bring this notice to the public.”

He therefore charged the graduates to remain steadfast in spreading the news and making an impact through counseling to make the society better.”I say a very big congratulations to you all. This is a stepping stone; the light has been kindled in you all to illuminate lives. It may not be as easy, you may experience difficulties at some point in time.

However, I implore you to make lives, make impacts, and keep publicizing the good news of counseling. The world is yours, go out and shine.”

In the same vein, the President, ICN Alumni Exco Counselor Odusanya Oluremi equally charged the graduates to work with the Alumni community to discharge the responsibility of advancing the study, training, and practice of the counseling profession in Nigeria and Africa.

In her words, “Your passion and desire to become a clinical counselor, psychotherapist, and registered member of the counseling profession has become a reality. I can assure you that great opportunities lie ahead for a breakthrough in counseling career.

“I, therefore, charge you to go out there and make a sound impact in the different aspects of counseling you have chosen.”

ICN is positioned to enroll and educate students from all parts of Africa and the rest of the world through her online and offline blended training program.

ICN is positioned to enroll and educate students from all parts of Africa and the rest of the world through her online and offline blended training program. As well as help corporate organisation improves employee wellbeing through her specialised training.

It has been at the fore front of mental health counseling training, intervention and sensitisation in Africa.

 

The Institute was founded in 2010 as a not-for-profit independent educational charity. The passion to help people achieve their dreams of becoming professional counselors birthed this vision; the aim is to fill the vacuum of lack of access to standard education and the inability to acquire professional certificates in the field of counseling and psychotherapy in Africa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Empowerment

WISCAR Presents the 2023 Annual Leadership and Mentoring Conference: “In Her Own Voice: Forging Ahead”

by Women Times on

Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), a non-profit and non-governmental organization committed to advancing professional women in Nigeria and across Africa, proudly announces its 2023 Annual Leadership and Mentoring Conference. The event will take place on Saturday, 9th December 2023, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the prestigious Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Themed “In Her Own Voice: Forging Ahead”, the conference will provide an opportunity for a transformative gathering where exceptional women, renowned speakers, policymakers, and thought leaders converge to share insights and engage in a diverse array of activities. The platform fosters inspiration, empowers professional women to take the lead in driving positive change, and generates actionable recommendations contributing to inclusive and sustainable national development. The event will kick off with a Mentoring Walk on Saturday, the 25th of November 2023, at Eko Atlantic City. This walk serves as the inaugural event, setting the tone for the conference and providing an opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful discussions.

Commenting on WISCAR and its mission for women empowerment, Amina Oyagbola, Founder and Chairperson of WISCAR, said “WISCAR is dedicated to propelling professional women to the forefront of Nigeria and Africa’s development and growth. Drawing inspiration from ALIWA (Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa), we strive to cultivate a powerful network of female professionals equipped to lead, drive social innovation, and take critical decisions that will usher in a new era of excellence in the workplace. Our annual leadership conference is designed to foster a vibrant and supportive environment for women from diverse professional backgrounds to connect, share experiences, and forge meaningful connections. The theme of this year’s conference symbolizes our unyielding commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, inclusive governance, and sustainable development. It highlights the enduring and progressive voices of women—a generation poised to break new ground and guide society towards greater achievements and sustained growth and prosperity”.

The conference will include networking and interactive sessions that drives innovation and encourage participants to engage with each other, expand their professional circles, and build lasting relationships. WISCAR believes that by fostering a sense of community and collaboration, it can empower women to leverage their collective strengths and advance in various fields.

WISCAR is supported by a variety of organizations that share a commitment to the cause. Diamond sponsors include First Bank of Nigeria, United Airlines, and Pacific Holdings Limited. The platinum sponsor is First City Monument Bank, and the gold sponsor is IHS Nigeria Limited. The silver sponsors are Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), SunTrust Bank Nigeria Limited, and FSDH Merchant Bank. Bronze sponsors consist of Mainone, Ernst & Young, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, FBNQuest Asset Management, TAJ Bank, and Access Bank. Additionally, strategic sponsors UN Women, Habiba Balogun Consulting, Oyagbola Chambers, AKMS Consulting, Hills + Knowlton Strategies, and DKK contribute to WISCAR’s success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Empowerment

Empowering Women: Ogochukwu Eloike Unveils Secrets Behind ‘Ichabod’ – A Groundbreaking Self-Help Book for Women

by Women Times on

– Proffers practicable solutions on how women can be more proactive in pursuit of their purpose before marriage
– Kick starts hashtags #Ichabod, #ImEnough to allow women share their experiences as women

 

A writer and renowned communications strategist, Ogochukwu Geraldine Eloike, has launched her first book titled “Ichabod”, a clear narration of the feminine experience and how these experiences are being trivialized by society thus widening the gender gap.

The book, published by Parresia Publishers Ltd, under the Origami imprint, provides practicable roles the society and individuals can play in entrenching equity and ameliorating gender wariness which has been on the rise in recent times.

As part of the activities to launch the book, the author, Ogochukwu has kick-started hashtags campaign #Ichabod and #ImEnough to give women a voice and platform to share their life experiences in relation to manifestations of gender inequity and shortfalls. Through the hashtags, women and girls can share their experiences as girls and young adults living in patriarchal societies and how these experiences have shaped their life decisions thus far.

Shedding more light on the invaluable nature of the book – Ichabod, the author noted that “the term Ichabod has biblical connotation which means lost glory and it is used as the book title to allude to various ways we have gotten the training and raising of the girls wrong by paying much tribute to male children across various touchpoints. Understandably, in recent times, we have a series of activities designed to celebrate girls and women, but, our socio-cultural foundation remains patriarchal. For instance, in the Nigerian political environment, the senate unanimously voted against a gender-balanced house in 2021 and the action clearly depicts the perception of women as unequal and undeserving of leadership positions even when existing and emerging data shows that women, in some contexts are better leaders”, she said.

“Ichabod” is a direct and honest analysis of current gender disparity situations, not just in Nigeria but across the globe using real-life data garnered online and offline to measure various drivers of abuses, dissatisfaction, and perceived/established differences amongst both genders. The insights allow for a direct call to action for women as emerging data depict a rapid increase in gender-based violence, especially by spouses or close family members. And it is my hope that this book will trigger some sort of paradigm shift in various societies so that as people, we would pay more attention to the needs of each other instead of trying to subjugate and exert authority over one another”.

It is also identified in the book, as a key imperative for various stakeholders starting from families to look beyond the status quo and become more involved in addressing foundational causes of misogyny as unhappy mothers are most likely to raise unhappy children.

 

Institutions like government parastatals and religious establishments are also required to put in place structures that would test and allow for equity and help in actively bridging the gap created by gender disparity.

The book, “Ichabod” is available on PBC PageBook, OkadaBooks, Amazon Kindle, Amazon paperback, and hard copies can also be ordered on +2347062010410, info@parresia.com.ng from Parresia Publishers or a walk-in at 1st Floor Ibilola Nelson House, 82 Allen Ave, Ikeja, Lagos.

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Empowerment

How Nestlé is Supporting Rural Women Retailers in Nigeria to Grow Their Businesses

by Women Times on

 

Since August 2021, Nestlé Nigeria has helped 332 women to scale up their businesses by 300% and to sustain the new level through the Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project. The beneficiaries are women within Nestlé Nigeria’s value chain, running small businesses in rural areas across Nigeria.

Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria by helping them build financial security to improve their livelihoods is one of the ways through which Nestlé Nigeria is Creating Shared Value along its value chain. The program was established to help beneficiaries scale up their businesses and sustain the new level of up to three times the size of their existing businesses.

This objective is achieved through business training covering merchandizing, bookkeeping and customer service, mentorship and coaching in addition to grants in form of
Nestlé products valued at 300% of their monthly sales at the time of joining the program. The beneficiaries are subsequently registered in a 3-month mentorship program and each woman is linked to a personal mentor for one-on-one coaching to ensure adoption of the key learnings from the training received to achieve the desired success. Over 60% of the beneficiaries achieve the 300% target growth within the 3-month coaching period!

Aminat Kolawole is one of the 332 women across the country, supported by Nestlé Nigeria to scale up their businesses through the Nestlé Rural Women empowerment Program. Aminat, an indigene of Batoro community in Ogun state, has been running a small business for 8 years in Sagamu, where she sells food and beverages, toiletries, drinks, house-hold consumables among others. She is excited that her business, Idera Oluwa stores, was selected for the project. “I believe that this opportunity will provide the necessary knowledge and resources to grow my business so I can earn more money to support my family and cater for my children’s education”.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 7th batch into the Project in Sagamu, Nestlé Nigeria’s Commercial Manager, Khaled Ramadan, said “Creating shared value within our communities is core in the way we do business. At Nestlé, we strive to make positive impact on society while ensuring the sustainability of our business. The Rural Women Empowerment Program is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of value creation. The stories and testimonials from previous beneficiaries, particularly 100% to 200% business growth within three months of joining the program, encourages us to do more. Onboarding women from Sagamu, one of our host communities, is a significant milestone in our commitment to empowerment and sustainable development and we are proud to have an opportunity to make a tangible difference in their lives”.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Phranklin Audu, Lead Facilitator & Head, Strategic Partnerships at FDConsults, implementation partner of Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project said, “We have amazing testimonials from previous beneficiaries.

Through this project, Nestlé continues to help solve the challenge of poverty by empowering rural women across Nigerian communities, lifting them off the poverty spectrum and improving their livelihoods. We are delighted to be project partners for the training and mentoring on this credible initiative”.

According to Kabiesi Odofin Soyindo who represented the Akarigbo of Remoland, HRM Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, “I commend Nestlé for this sustainable venture and empowerment of Sagamu women. This is a noble initiative, and we are glad that our community is benefitting from corporate programs like this from Nestlé. To the beneficiaries, I urge you to establish your priorities and judiciously use the grants provided to you for the expansion of your businesses”.

Expressing her delight on behalf of other beneficiaries, Aminat said, “We are greatly pleased at the opportunity to be included in this program. We are looking forward to the learning and mentoring sessions which will equip us to run our businesses more effectively. A big thank you to Nestlé for investing in us. Our promise to the company is that we will maximize this opportunity for the benefit of our families and communities”.

For Folasade Ogunjimi of Save Way Stores Sagamu, another beneficiary of the program, “This is the first time a company is bringing this amazing initiative to retailers in Sagamu in my 25 years of running this business. We sincerely appreciate this well planned and considerate gesture by Nestlé towards supporting and expanding our businesses”.

Community leaders, including the Vice Chairman of Sagamu Local Government Area and Executive members of the Royal Initiative for the Development of Sagamu Community, RIDSCO, also attended the event.

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Empowerment

Renewed Hope Initiative, NITDA Graduates Women in ICT

by Women Times on

In keeping with its mandate of empowering Nigerian women with enabling skills, the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has graduated the first set of beneficiaries of its Women ICT Training and Empowerment Programme.

The training had no fewer than 35 women drawn from across the FCT.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in her address, congratulated the participants and applauded the Director General and his team of facilitators for the success of the training.

She emphasized the importance of digital literacy and its role in fostering economic independence, noting that these skills are indispensable tools for driving growth and innovation”.

“Also, the importance of digital literacy and its role in fostering economic independence cannot be overemphasized. In a world driven by technology, these skills empower women to take control of their lives, contribute to their communities and seize opportunities”.

“As we celebrate the successful conclusion of this programme, I extend my congratulations to all participants. You have exhibited resilience, determination and a hunger for knowledge that will undoubtedly set you on a path of success”.

 

The Director General (DG) NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi appreciated the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the opportunity given to work with the RHI

“Thank you for protecting all the vulnerable Nigerians, we are blessed to have you as the First Lady and mother of our nation, the participants, your daughters are graduating today taking home five major things, they are all equipped with digital literacy and ICT proficiency, they are going home empowered to safely and responsibly use digital platforms, they also master digital marketing on how to be able to use social media to sell your products and services, you are also enlightened on how to be part of gig economy, you learnt skills on how to work remotely and earn money, you also learnt how to use productivity tools, and lastly they were empowered on how to network. They are going back home with a laptop and N100, 000.00”’.

“The First Lady has agreed with us to work and collaborate with Renewed Hope Initiative to craft a national digital gender inclusion strategy in order to bring you at parity with the men to benefit from digital economy”.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, also promised to work with the Initiative in ensuring that the training is extended to millions of women across the country.
He said the programme was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for women inclusion and empowerment among others.

“I want to extend my appreciation to the visionary of this initiative, our First Lady. Your unwavering commitment to empowerment and progress has charted the course for change for all the members of this cohort. This is a programme that we hope we can partner with you to actually scale significantly. I’m a big believer in the fact that we have to empower women because there is something that works really well for me, women are empathetic and when you have women around you, it is about the good for people not egos, this is why it is important the role you are playing in the society Ma”.

“I must also acknowledge the DG of NITDA and his team for their role in bringing this programme to fruition”.

“Women empowerment is fundamental for the development and growth of every society, there is actually no any individual that was not raised by a woman. By empowering women, we unlock the unique creativity and innovation that can enrich every aspect of our lives. It is well documented that when we provide equal access to education resources and opportunities, that it becomes architect of positive change, changing the trajectory of economic progress, social harmony and sustainable development”.

“This programme represents a critical step in this direction; it also aligned with two priority areas of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the first one being the investment in the digital economy to empower Nigerians with new skills and also sustain jobs, secondly to driving women empowerment to champion equity and parity across every facet of our lives”.
The power of digital tools and connectivity through the tranning also shattered the boundaries of what the participants thought it was impossible according to what representatives of the participants said.

 

On behalf of other participants, Miss Nkiru Ogbuli, a graphic designer expressed gratitude to the First Lady for keeping her promise of empowering women and explained that the program has expanded her knowledge and provided her with opportunities she wouldn’t have known existed.

Another beneficiary, Promise Ogbuehia, a makeup artist says the training is not only beneficial for her but also the people she would subsequently teach in order to impact them with knowledge she has gathered.
The First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu,alongside the Minister then handed Certificates, brand new laptops and #100,000 intervention grant to each of the graduates.

 

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Empowerment

Abbey Mortgage Bank Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Real Estate,  Launches New Product 

by Women Times on

Abbey Mortgage Bank, a leading institution in the Nigerian mortgage industry,has announced the launch of an innovative product for women called WIRE: (Women in Real Estate). With this new commitment towards gender inclusion the bank strives to empower its female clients, by financing construction projects owned or managed by women.

The theme of the launch event, “Financing Women to Thrive in the Real Estate Industry,” perfectly captured their vision of this innovative initiative. This event showcased the bank’s dedication to fostering gender diversity and inclusivity within the real estate sector. The esteemed panelists, representing diverse expertise, included Tosin Ajose, a prominent business lawyer at DealHQ Partners; Barr. (Mrs.) Eunice Obasohan, the MD/CEO of Lily Homes Limited; Esv. Olabisi Omotayo Demola-Alade, former chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers; Mrs. Tokunbo Sherifat Sule-Owuda, a reputable Architect and owner of Walsher DB Ltd; and Abbey’s very own Lolita Ejiofor, General Manager, Group Head of IT & Operations, who played a pivotal role in bringing WIRE to fruition.

Lolita Ejiofor shared her insights during the event, stating, “At Abbey Mortgage Bank, we believe that economic empowerment knows no gender bounds. WIRE is not just a financial service; it’s a platform for women to overcome obstacles and redefine the real estate landscape. We are paving the way for women to excel, lead, and create a lasting impact not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.”

The product launch event which was live-streamed, reached aspiring female entrepreneurs from various parts of the country. The overwhelming response and engagement from women who participated in the virtual launch were a testament to the dire need for such a financial product in the real estate industry.

WIRE: Women in Real Estate is designed to provide tailored finance (including construction finance) that cater to the unique needs and challenges faced by women-owned real estate and construction businesses. Whether it’s startup capital, project financing, or growth funds, Abbey Mortgage Bank is committed to supporting women as they enter the real estate industry or take their ventures to new heights.

Abbey Mortgage Bank remains dedicated to advancing gender equality in the real estate sector and firmly believes that WIRE will play a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of financing and growth opportunities for women in the industry.

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Empowerment

Polaris Bank Wins Award for Supporting Women Empowerment

by Women Times on

The International Women Society (IWS) has honoured Polaris Bank with the prestigious ‘Providers & Enablers’ Award in recognition of the Bank’s remarkable commitment and significant contributions to women empowerment, particularly in the area of vocational, skills training and capacity building for women.

The award  ceremony was held at a special graduation ceremony last Thursday, July 27, 2023, at IWS Skills Centre, Lekki, Lagos.

Esteemed representatives from various organizations, community leaders, and women who have benefitted from the vocational and skills training programmes were present to celebrate the momentous occasion.

The IWS Centre, renowned for its dedication to uplifting women in the community, showcased a compelling video presentation that highlighted the transformational impact of the collaboration between the Centre and Polaris Bank. Through these skill-building programmes, women from diverse backgrounds have been empowered to pursue their passions, unlock their potential, and become self-reliant contributors to society.

Mr. Kehinde Akinwunmi, the Principal of the IWS Skills Acquisition Centre, Lekki delivered an impassioned speech expressing his gratitude to Polaris Bank for their unyielding support in nurturing the dreams and aspirations of countless women. He also emphasized the pivotal role played by the Bank in providing financial resources and scholarships for 21 students, enabling the Centre to expand its reach and positively impact the lives of even more women.

Responding to the recognition, Polaris Bank’s Head of Sustainability, Mrs. Yemi Akinrelere, who received the award on behalf of the Bank reaffirmed Polaris Bank’s commitment to advancing gender equality and promoting women’s empowerment in line with principle 4 of the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principle and as a cornerstone of its Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

“At Polaris Bank, we believe that empowering women is not just a moral imperative, but an essential driver of social progress and economic growth. We are honoured to partner with the International Women Society Skills Acquisition Centre in their noble mission, and we remain committed to supporting women’s advancement and fostering an inclusive and equitable society.”

The collaboration between Polaris Bank and the IWS Skills Acquisition Centre continues to serve as a shining example of how public-private partnerships can catalyze positive change and uplift entire communities. By equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge, both institutions have empowered many women – young and the not-to-old to seize new opportunities, break barriers, and become agents of change in their respective fields.

One of the landmark contributions of Polaris Bank to the IWS Skills Acquisition Centre was the donation of a multi-million-naira ICT Laboratory for digital and ICT-related capacity building for students of the Centre, amongst other supports.

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