Abuja — In a major boost for women’s economic advancement, the Nigerian Government has unveiled plans to empower over five million women across the country through targeted financial training and entrepreneurship support, under the Nigerian Women Project.
This announcement was made at the 2025 Pre-5th Colloquium of the Pan-African Africa Young Women, themed “Women Entrepreneurs as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development and Economic Growth.” Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim—represented by her Special Assistant, Mrs. Ola Erinfolami—outlined the initiative’s pillars, which include:
- Nationwide rollout of financial and entrepreneurial support across the 36 states and the FCT
- Campaign to combat energy poverty among women via solar home systems and tech training
- Push for gender-responsive legislation, such as reserved leadership seats
- Advocacy to dismantle structural barriers and position women as change leaders
“The transformation of Africa cannot happen without women in positions of leadership,” the minister stated.
The event drew high-level participation from public and private stakeholders. Highlights included:
- ACP Zainab Bello (representing IGP Kayode Egbetokun) who spotlighted women’s vital role in peacebuilding
- Dr. Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, who urged women to embrace self-confidence
- Dr. Jophia Gupar, founder of Pan-African Africa Young Women, who celebrated the colloquium’s expansion to 27 African nations
- Princess Edna Azura, President of the NCWS, who described the initiative as a fulfillment of the founding mothers’ aspirations
Discussions centered on women’s empowerment, agribusiness, mindset transformation, and the future of inclusive economic growth.