Empowering Women: 100 Female Traders Receive N10 Million Support in Abuja

In a groundbreaking initiative, 100 women petty traders in Abuja have been empowered with a total of ₦10 million to boost their businesses. Each beneficiary received ₦100,000 as a grant to expand their ventures, fostering economic growth within vulnerable communities in the Federal Capital Territory.

Organized by Frugal Empowerment Foundation

The grants were distributed through the Frugal Empowerment Foundation, a non-governmental organization with a presence in Nigeria, the UK, Greece, and Zambia. Operating across 18 Nigerian states, the Foundation launched its Small Business Empowerment (SBE) Scheme in 2019, focusing on alleviating poverty and promoting self-reliance among women.

Speaking at the event, Peter Osezua, founder of the Frugal Empowerment Foundation and known as “Frugal,” highlighted the program’s aim to support women with limited or no access to financial backing.

“This project targets women who struggle financially to start or grow their businesses. By providing these grants, we’re offering them the opportunity to invest in their dreams and improve their livelihoods,” Osezua stated.

Since its inception in 2017, the Foundation has reached over 2 million communities worldwide and has empowered more than 500 women in Nigeria, emphasizing its commitment to uplifting vulnerable populations.

Keynote Remarks on Women Empowerment

Esther Tawasimi, Special Adviser on Women Affairs to the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), also spoke at the event. She expressed her admiration for the initiative, noting it was her first time engaging with a large group of non-political individuals, particularly market women and petty traders.

“My chairman is passionate about uplifting low-income earners. This program is a testament to our shared goal of improving the lives of women struggling to sustain their businesses,” Tawasimi remarked.

Tawasimi further highlighted AMAC’s ongoing efforts to empower women in various trades, including fashion design, fish farming, and catering. She announced that in December, AMAC would empower an additional 300 women alongside youth beneficiaries in ICT training programs.

Driving Economic Growth Through Women Empowerment

Initiatives like the Small Business Empowerment scheme and AMAC’s training programs demonstrate a strong commitment to driving economic growth and reducing financial inequality. By investing in women’s entrepreneurship, such programs are not only enhancing the livelihoods of individuals but also contributing to the broader development of local communities.