Empowerment
By Talatu Maiwada
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has disbursed over ₦1 trillion in empowerment interventions since 2015, with 62 per cent directly benefiting women.
DBN’s Managing Director, Mr Tobi Okparachi disclosed this on Tuesday in Yola during an empowerment programme for women.
Okparachi was represented by the bank’s Head of Corporate Services, Mr Idris Salihu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that DBN, in partnership with the Organisation for Environmental, Agricultural and Health Development (OEAHD), trained 200 women across the 21 local government areas of Adamawa.
NAN also reports that the programme, with the theme, “Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship for Economic Inclusion,” seeks to promote gender empowerment, economic inclusion and financial independence among women.
Okparachi said the initiative was aimed at improving women’s access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He added that the training was also designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to transition from financial exclusion to financial inclusion.
“Empowering women has become increasingly critical. Women contribute significantly to economic growth and community wellbeing.
“This initiative seeks to strengthen their capacity to become financially independent and economically productive,” he said.
The DBN Chief explained that a robust monitoring and evaluation framework had been established to assess the impact and sustainability of businesses created through the programme.
Also speaking, Mrs Tabitha Sallah, President of OEAHD, said the training covered practical skills in agriculture, environmental sustainability, health services and entrepreneurship.
She described the initiative as an investment in the future, noting that it was designed to bridge the gender gap in economic opportunities.
“We are committed to ensuring that women are not left behind in the economic transformation of our nation.
“Our participation and leadership are not optional; they are essential,” she said.
Sallah commended DBN for the partnership, saying the collaboration reflected national recognition, targeted to enable women drive economic progress.
On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Neido Kofulto, lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and essential.
She urged participants to take the training seriously and apply the skills acquired to improve their livelihoods and contribute to community growth.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Christiana Filibus, a physically challenged participant, expressed appreciation for the opportunity.
She pledged to apply the knowledge gained, especially on business registration, marketing and regulatory compliance.
“The professional advice we received from CAC, NAFDAC and BOI was invaluable.
“We are committed to registering and formalising our businesses to ensure long-term growth,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Kevin Okunzuwa