The US Consul General in Lagos, in collaboration with the Abimbolu Foundation, has ramped up efforts to enhance financial inclusion for women in underserved Nigerian communities.
Through targeted training and resources, about 200 women in areas such as Egbedi, Gbongan, and Ikire in Osun State, as well as Ifo in Ogun State, were equipped with essential business skills to navigate the economy and achieve financial independence.
Delivered in Yoruba, the programme offered tailored training on business best practices, entrepreneurial thinking, and financial management, aimed at helping women bridge economic gender gaps.
Participants at the programme engaged in comprehensive sessions on business pitching and mentorship, specifically designed to empower them to thrive as entrepreneurs.
At the conclusion of each training session, women were invited to pitch their business ideas as promising ventures were rewarded with essential equipment, such as sewing machines, grinding machines, ovens, and salon tools, to enable scalability and growth.
The goal, according to the Abimbolu Foundation, is to foster self-sufficiency among these women, transforming them into community leaders and agents of change.
Adebisi Odeleye, an implementation partner with the foundation, highlighted the initiative’s commitment to sustainable development, saying “empowering women at the grassroots level is crucial to national growth, starting from the family unit. Financial independence gives women the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.”
After receiving a dehydrating oven, one of the beneficiaries, Tunrayo Akande, who produces local locust beans said she can further expand her business to serve retail stores and even explore export opportunities.
A representative of the foundation also disclosed that the Abimbolu Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through initiatives that address the needs of women and youth as its programmes aim to combat poverty, reduce child abuse, and foster economic independence, thus promoting a positive impact on Nigerian society.
“Our mission is not only to impart financial skills but to inspire self-confidence and independence among women,” the representative said. “Through partnerships with local leaders, we are continually expanding our reach and creating a lasting impact in communities.”
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