No fewer than 250 women in Nigeria have been trained in entrepreneurship and business development by the Thelema Lion Foundation (TLF) in collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).
Founder of Thelema Lion Foundation, Dr. Ifeoma Ucheago disclosed this in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day organised in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Dr. Ucheago who spoke during a one-day programme dedicated to uplifting vulnerable women in society, explained that the initiative focuses on financial empowerment, vocational training, and business support for indigent women striving for economic independence.
While reaffirming the Foundation’s resolve towards supporting women, especially those in economically disadvantaged communities, said: “This is the third year we are marking International Women’s Day by empowering women.
“Every March, by the grace of God, we organize financial literacy training, and afterwards, we provide them with financial support to start their own businesses.
“This year, we decided to take it a step further. Apart from financial assistance, we are providing sewing machines, grinding machines, and startup capital to help them become self-sufficient,” she added.
Dr. Ucheago who reiterated the Foundation’s commitment towards tailored support to help women sustain their businesses, said: “We noticed that some of the women who received between N25,000 and N100,000 last year have been thriving—some selling roasted plantains and other petty trades.
“This year, we are offering cash support of ₦50,000 to help more women launch their businesses.”
She further emphasized that the Foundation does not only provide financial aid but monitors and mentors beneficiaries to ensure their businesses succeed.
“Before we give financial assistance, we train them on how to manage their finances. We teach them to differentiate between business money and personal expenses. This is crucial for their sustainability,” she noted.
Speaking on some other achievements recorded by the Foundation, Dr. Ucheago presented some students from Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) whose education are being sponsored through scholarships.
“These are children of vulnerable women. Some couldn’t make it here today, but we continue to support them. Our goal is to assist these families in breaking the cycle of poverty,” she added.
Some of the beneficiaries from Impacting Lives, One Woman at a Time’
who spoke during the event, and expressed gratitude to the Foundation aimed at transforming their lives.
In her remarks, Madam Janet, who received a Grinding Machine, spoke passionately about how the support would help her gain financial independence.
She said: “When you empower a woman, you empower a community, I no longer have to rely on anyone to survive. I now have something I can call my own.
“Before now, women in search of jobs are often taken advantage of, but with this support, I can stand on my own.”
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then