A new women’s empowerment initiative is injecting fresh energy into Nigeria’s grassroots economy, as 18,500 women across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory receive business grants of ₦50,000 each.
The programme is funded through a ₦1 billion endowment from the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), designed to support women traders and small-scale entrepreneurs who play critical roles in sustaining households and local communities.
At recent empowerment ceremonies in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and Calabar, Cross River State, state first ladies representing Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasized that the initiative was not a loan but direct financial support to help women recapitalize their ventures.
In Nasarawa, Hajia Silifat Abdullahi-Sule highlighted the importance of empowering women-led businesses to accelerate community growth. The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hawa Samuel-Jugbo, confirmed that beneficiaries were drawn from all 13 local government areas, with deliberate inclusion of women with disabilities.
One beneficiary, Jemima Abari, expressed optimism that the funds would help expand her business and improve her family’s standard of living.
In Calabar, Cross River’s First Lady, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, echoed the same message, stressing that even modest capital support could trigger long-term benefits—ranging from children’s education to improved household stability.
“When you empower a woman, you empower a household. This initiative is planting seeds that will yield lasting impact for families and communities,” she noted.
The programme reflects a growing trend of direct intervention in women’s economic empowerment, positioning women entrepreneurs as a driving force for inclusive development.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Access Bank recently secured a $100 million facility from a consortium of international development finance institutions, aimed at scaling support for women-led businesses and boosting Nigeria’s broader MSME sector.
Together, these interventions underscore a strong commitment from both government and private partners to enhance women’s financial independence and grassroots economic growth.
