The Co-Founder of the #BringBackOurGirls Movement, Aisha Yesufu, has urged the Nigerian government and society at large to dismantle every form of barrier preventing women from reaching their full potential. Speaking passionately on the issue of gender equality, Yesufu emphasized that Nigerian women deserve equal rights and opportunities to aspire for and attain leadership positions — including the highest political office in the nation. She stated that no woman should be denied the right or opportunity to contest for the position of President simply because of her gender. According to Aisha Yesufu, Nigerian women have continuously demonstrated strength, intelligence, and capacity across various sectors. From politics and business to education and activism, women have shown remarkable competence and commitment to nation-building. However, systemic cultural biases and gender-based discrimination have continued to restrict women from achieving political prominence. She maintained that such societal obstacles must be urgently addressed if Nigeria truly wants to advance democratically. Empowering women, according to her, is not merely a matter of inclusion but a critical path toward sustainable national development. Yesufu also reiterated the need for young Nigerian girls to be inspired and educated to believe in themselves. By creating an environment where both men and women are given equal platforms to thrive, the nation would benefit from a balance of perspectives and more effective governance. Over the years, Aisha Yesufu has been a consistent voice advocating for justice, accountability, and social reform in Nigeria. Through her activism, she continues to challenge systems that limit women’s participation in politics and decision-making. In conclusion, her call for gender equity is not just about political ambition but about breaking the chains of stereotypes that have held women back for generations. A society that empowers its women, she argues, lays a stronger foundation for progress, peace, and prosperity.
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.
