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Tag: Women Empowerment

  • World Bank approves another $500 million loan for Nigeria

    World Bank approves another $500 million loan for Nigeria

    The World Bank has approved another $500 million loan for Nigeria to improve the livelihood of women in the country.

    According to the World Bank the loan will help to empower and improve the livelihood of the female gender in Nigeria.

    The approval for the $500 million loan for Nigeria was disclosed in a statement by the World Bank on Tuesday.

    The statement from World Bank reads, “The World Bank has approved $500 million for Nigeria for Women Program Scale Up (NFWP-SU). The scale-up financing will further support the government of Nigeria to invest in improving the livelihoods of women in Nigeria.

    “The NFWP-SU will help to ensure better economic opportunities for women which is essential for addressing gender inequality; guaranteeing better education, health, and nutrition outcomes for families; and building women’s and communities’ resilience to climate change.”

    According to the World Bank, women’s empowerment is essential to their ability to build resilience to climate change and, by extension, the resilience of their households and communities.

    It noted that by building assets, women can better respond to family needs and mitigate risks and the effects of climate and other shocks on livelihoods, adding that gender disparities in earnings hold back the Nigerian economy.

    Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, was quoted as saying, “We have seen promising outcomes from the parent NFWP which has helped to create economic opportunities for thousands of rural women through the Women Affinity Groups. NFWP’s model is helping to improve livelihood opportunities for women and enhancing their capacity to adapt to climate change and participating in local administrations for policymaking related to community empowerment.

    “closing the gender gap in key economic sectors could yield gains of between $9.3 billion and $22.9 billion, we are optimistic that this scale-up will help Nigeria to move closer to bridging this gap.”

    Task Team Leader for Nigeria for Women Project, Michael Ilesanmi, was also quoted as saying, “The Program aims to mobilize poor and vulnerable women into different institutions and, using these institutional platforms, link them to markets as well as financial and non-financial services. Through participation in Women Affinity Groups, project beneficiaries build social capital that can then be leveraged to access financial, political, and economic capital–thus leading to both social and economic empowerment.”

    The statement further noted that the NFWP has been implemented in six states and provides support to over 427,887 WAG members through the formation and strengthening of 20,506 of these groups.

    It added that in about two years, these WAGs have saved about NGN 4 billion ($8.9 million equivalent) with a significant percentage of these funds in circulation as loans at any given time. So far, 835,573 community members have benefited from the NFWP through different interventions.

  • UBA Conversations 2023: Innovation, Women Empowerment Critical for Africa’s Growth

    UBA Conversations 2023: Innovation, Women Empowerment Critical for Africa’s Growth

    Collaboration is essential for Africa to unlock its potential, bridge the gap between challenges and opportunities, and empower women at the forefront of development.

    This was emphasized at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Conversations 2023, held on May 23rd, 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria, under the theme “Innovating the Continent for Growth.”

    Chairperson of UBA Tony Elumelu, in his brief remarks, appreciated the women who had contributed to building the Bank and highlighted perseverance as a vital trait for business success.

    Earlier in his opening remarks, the Group Managing Director of the bank Oliver Alawuba, noted that the event’s theme aligns with the goals of the United Nations and the African Union, focusing on innovation, technology, and creating opportunities across the continent.

    Alawuba stated, “In UBA, we will continue to develop products that address the challenges faced by African women in their businesses and workplaces.”

    He proudly mentioned that UBA boasts the highest number of female directors, who make up over 50 per cent of the board, including three executive directors.

    The conversation featured a panel of accomplished women from diverse sectors who are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes in Africa.

    The first female Executive Director of UBA Abiola Bawuah, shared her journey and how her appointment opened doors for more women to be appointed as Chief Executive Officers.

    She highlighted the importance of innovation, stating, “What has happened in UBA for me is a complete innovation of ideas, changing the status quo, telling the girl child ‘you can make it.’”

    Similarly, a Business and Tech Executive Foluso Gbadamosi, emphasized that innovation serves as a catalyst for positive change and transformation in Africa.

    She expressed the need for intentional efforts to bring about positive change, particularly for the continent’s significant youth population.

    President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc Owen Omogiafo, emphasized that innovation is essential for survival and presents opportunities for growth.

    Despite the challenges faced during the 2020 pandemic, she shared how the Transcorp hospitality business experienced significant double-digit growth.

    Omogiafo stressed the importance of adapting to the digital world and continuously modifying products, services, and contact points to engage customers.

    On her part, multi-talented Foodprenuer and Guinness World Record holder for marathon cooking Hilda Bassey, emphasized the need for businesses to find innovative ways to meet customers’ needs.

    She highlighted the undervaluation of the food sector in Nigeria and emphasized the importance of understanding its potential.

    “I feel like food is also oil in Nigeria, it’s just that we haven’t realised it and we just don’t understand it yet,” she said.

    Likewise, Creative Director of a fashion brand Bake Kuku-Lawson, shared her experience of starting her business during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    She highlighted the necessity of innovation to thrive and survive in the ever-changing business landscape.

    “We had to get a website and we had to start selling online. You just have to keep moving with life. So, you’re always, always innovating,” Kuku-Lawson said.

    The event which was the 5th edition of the annual UBA Conversations, served as a platform to recognize and empower women in driving innovation and shaping the future of Africa.

    The panelists’ diverse experiences and perspectives underscored the importance of collaboration, perseverance, and adaptability to foster growth and development on the continent.

  • African women lawyers honour Seinye Lulu-Briggs for contributions to women empowerment

    African women lawyers honour Seinye Lulu-Briggs for contributions to women empowerment

    The African Women Lawyers (AWLA) has bestowed a special recognition award on Dr. Mrs. Seinye O. B. Lulu Briggs, celebrated business leader, and a passionate voice and pillar of support for the less privileged and vulnerable persons within and beyond Nigeria’s Niger Delta for her contributions to women empowerment in the country.

    President of AWLA, Efe Etomi, who presented the award at an AWLA Parley held during the annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, described Dr Lulu-Briggs as a strong advocate the better understanding and systemic change needed in addressing the appalling travails of women, widows and their children.

    The President of AWLA said the organization was particularly appreciative of the considerable voice and support that Dr. Seinye has lent to issues that affect the voiceless, especially women, in our society – including on the very outdated but, sadly, widespread obnoxious customs and practices of victimization and ill-treatment of widows.

    According to her, Dr. Lulu-Briggs’ empathy for the plight of widows has deepened as a result of the very public persecution, harassment and bullying by some members of her family and community that she experienced after the peaceful translation to glory of her husband the High Chief Dr O. B. Lulu-Briggs in 2018. The AWLA president praised Dr Seinye’s foresight and commitment to the fruitful partnership between AWLA and the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation.

    The abhorrent treatment Mrs. Lulu-Briggs faced as a widow, despite her social standing, shaped the O. B. Lulu-Briggs’ grant that has enabled AWLA to establish a Widow’s Project which offers free legal services to embattled widows in the pursuit of their rights and the protection of their dignity.

    The Widows Project was launched on June 24, 2020 to commemorate the United Nations International Widows. Through the project the first-ever 24/7 toll-free number- 0800 00231111- for Nigerian widows in distress was launched under the aegis of the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation grant.

    In her response, Dr Lulu-Briggs thanked AWLA and indeed the entire Nigeria Bar Association for the honour done to her. She also promised to continue to work with AWLA to ensure that the rights of women and other marginalized groups in the society are upheld.

    “Your choice of my person for an award in recognition of my support for AWLA and my role in empowering women through the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation was a heartwarming surprise.

    “Our focus has been, and will remain, to uplift, rescue and inspire women, especially vulnerable women like widows and those suffering gender-based or domestic violence, to defeat and prevail over the stereotypical and inhibitive traditions that undermine their bloom to its full potential.

    “It’s an arduous task to which I have devoted my life and appreciate your kind partnership in achieving. I thank you for your thoughtfulness, commitment and partnership to support women. May we continue to work concertedly and conscientiously for the best of our society,” she said.

    Born on the 21st of September, 1958 to a family of educators and community leaders – Mr and Mrs Ernest and Darling Briggs, Dr Lulu-Briggs’ experience of the Nigerian civil war and the community-based responses of the adults around her to the disruption it caused in their lives and livelihoods shaped her bold outlook, attitude, and approach to the vagaries and uncertainties of life.

    A firm believer in the role of businesses in nation building through job creation and value addition, Dr Lulu-Briggs establishiled the La Sien Business Centre, the first of many companies that have, over the years, showcased her business acumen.
    Presently, she serves as the Chairman of Moni Pulo Ltd., a pioneer indigenous Nigerian oil production company established by her late husband, elder statesman and legendary philanthropist, High Chief Dr. O.B. Lulu-Briggs.

    Mrs. Lulu-Briggs also runs and holds investments in several ventures in the hospitality, real estate and services sectors. They include, the landmark Rachael Hotel in Port Harcourt, Soliyama Limited – an asset leasing and procurement company, La Sien Bottling Company, producers of the popular La Sien table water and Asia Town, the go-to Asian cuisine restaurant in Port Harcourt.

    For most Nigerians, and gratifyingly so, on account of her passion for helping the vulnerable in society, Dr. Seinye O. B. Lulu-Briggs is more widely known and admired for her inspiring work as Founder/Chairman of the award-winning, O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, a humanitarian NGO she established in the name of her beloved late husband 20 years ago to celebrate and institutionalize his legendary, prolific and charitable giving.

    On account of her stellar leadership, business accomplishments and philanthropy, she has received several accolades. Earlier this month, alongside 30 Nigerian business leaders, she was inducted as a Fellow of the prestigious Institute of Directors, Nigeria. She is also a Rotary Club International Paul Harris fellow. She was honoured with a Doctor of Science degree (Honoris Causa) by the University of Port Harcourt in 2015.

    A woman of strong faith, Dr Mrs Seinye O. B. Lulu-Briggs is an ordained servant of God Almighty with a passion for sharing the powerful word of God. In September, the Chapel of God International Worship Center, Port Harcourt, over which she pastors, celebrated its 13th anniversary.

  • Female entrepreneurs laud Ecobank’s women empowerment initiatives

    Female entrepreneurs laud Ecobank’s women empowerment initiatives

    Media entrepreneur and popular blogger Linda Ikeji , said she was motivated to partner with Ecobank on her “Selfmade Woman” initiative because of the bank’s various women friendly programmes, stressing that many individuals, especially women who own small businesses are supported by the bank to succeed. “When I conceive the idea of self-made women empowerment conference, Ecobank was the first bank I thought about because I love how much they are into women empowerment. They have a lot of programmes, a lot of platforms internally to help women in business. They are really into helping women reach their full potentials. Fortunately, when I met with them and told them what I wanted to do, they immediately said yes to me, and they have been fully involved and here we are today. Ecobank today is my bank of choice”.

    Linda Ikeji who spoke at the “2021 Selfmade Woman Conference”, her women empowerment initiative testified that Ecobank Nigeria as a female friendly is helping women achieve their dreams and full potentials. On why she initiate the Selfmade Women Conference Linda Ikeji said “I am very passionate about women succeeding and it was very important for me to put something together as a platform where successful women would meet and mentor those aspiring to be successful. My purpose for doing this is to hopefully encourage more women to believe in themselves, encourage more women to fight for their dreams, encourage more women to know that there is absolutely nothing that they can’t achieve. I want them to hear stories of women who have achieved great feats, women who have broken tables and know that it’s possible for them to break through all these barriers, believe in themselves, see people like myself, Tara Durotoye and other women who have done amazingly well. Getting a women friendly bank like Ecobank to partner me is heartwarming”.

    Also speaking, Founder, House of Tara, Tara Fela-Durotoye, applauded Ecobank for supporting women initiatives. She observed that partnering with young women and young entrepreneurs would go a long way to empowering women to play greater role in families.” I appreciate Ecobank’s various empowerment initiatives to support women and we can see the results. My advice to the bank is to sustain the initiatives”. This was the view of several other speakers which included

    In his keynote address, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, said the decision to partner with Linda Ikeji Selfmade Woman Conference aligns with the bank’s empowerment policy for women. He noted that Ecobank recognizes women as the bedrock of most families and entrepreneurship in the society, stating that to succeed as a nation, it is imperative to recognize women’s unique potentials and support them sufficiently. Akinwuntan who was represented by Head, Consumer Banking, Korede Demola-Adeniyi reiterated that Ecobank remains a women friendly bank and have been playing the role, stressing that, the bank has many initiatives and innovative products targeted at empowering female entrepreneurs in the country.

    “We have many women centred empowerment programmes such as the Ecobank Female Entrepreneurs’ Initiative (EFEI) which is designed to empower, and support women owned small-scale businesses. Under this initiative, there is special loan package where prospective female entrepreneurs could easily access credit facility with interest rates as low as 1 per cent. Through EFEI, we have trained many female business owners on digital marketing skills in our state-of-the-art Academy and have also organized capacity building workshop for them. We also have another women empowerment programme “Ellevate” for women in Business; this will be publicly launched across the country in July. With Ellevate, we want to ensure we raise and recognize our women for the significant role they have always played to ensure a better society for us all.” He said.

    Further, the Ecobank Nigeria Managing Director said examples of the bank’s support to women entrepreneur includes “our long-standing partnership with Tera Kulture, that is Bolanle Austen Peters who has come out with various movies such as ‘Bling Lagosians’, ‘Moremi The Musical’, ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens,’ ‘The Oluronbi Musical’ and others. Recently, we also supported ‘The Wait’, a movie inspired by the popular book from renowned lawyer and entrepreneur, Yewande Zaccheaus. We are currently working with the Ogun state government to promote the Adire industry which is also primarily women driven. In the agric industry, we have supported the Anchor borrowers programme of the CBN across the six regions of the country to reach out to farmers, especially the women folk to support them financially to increase their farm size and yield capacity through the introduction of new techniques.”

    The 2021 Selfmade Women conference attracted over 3000 female participants both online and at a physical event. The Linda Ikeji Selfmade Woman Conference was borne out of passion to see women succeed. it is a platform for women who want to achieve success to meet those who have already achieved success. The all-female event attracted many speakers and wide audience including potential and established women entrepreneurs, businesswomen and students. The Linda Ikeji Self-Made Woman debuted in 2013, as an advocacy project with the sole aim to mentor and provide financial empowerment to young female entrepreneurs or aspiring ones. it is essentially to build stronger economies and improve the quality of life for women, men, families and communities.

  • Internet, a positive tool for women empowerment

    Some female panellists on Friday in Lagos described the internet as a positive tool for women empowerment.

    They made the assertion at the ongoing Social Media Week while discussing the topic “Can the Internet save Women?’’

    Mrs Aisha Augie-Kuta, Senior Special Assistant, New Media, Government House, Kebbi State, said that the internet had influenced women tremendously, especially in the North.

    Augie-Kuta said that due to the culture and tradition of the North, women were usually embarrassed to discuss some issues, especially on health.

    According to her, a lot of women are embarrassed to see doctors concerning some of their health challenges.

    “I am looking at the internet from a positive view; yes it can save women.

    “A lot of women are embarrassed to see a doctor on health challenges.

    “They can now go online and find out about their symptoms before gaining confidence to see a doctor on what burdens them.

    “It makes most women innovative because there are definitely various ways of empowering oneself online,’’ Augie-Kuta said.

    She said that though some women still lacked internet facilities but those with access should use it to affect the society.

    Jewel Bush, National Director of Communications, GirlTreck, said that there were people who were disadvantaged and had no access to internet.

    Affiong Williams, Founder, Reelfruit, said that the social media was moving at a pace where people did not sit to reflect.

    She said that there was need to be vigilant to bridge the gap.

    The SMW commenced on Feb. 4 and ends on Friday.

    The objective is to improve brands, agencies and technological providers with the latest insights, brands and best practices, together with access to a global community of marketing decision makers.