Dr. Nafisat Makinde
A new force is steering Nigeria toward economic transformation: a vanguard of 146 exceptional women entrepreneurs entrusted with the mission of building the nation’s wealth. They are the first beneficiaries of the Women Entrepreneurs and Innovators for Development (WEIDE) Fund, launched in Abuja under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi.
“The hands of our women will build the wealth of our nation,” Minister Imaan declared, calling the WEIDE Fund “the beginning of a new era in women’s economic empowerment.”
The launch, in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), was attended by WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose presence underscored the global significance of women’s participation in trade and innovation. Minister Imaan hailed her as a “symbol of possibility and inspiration” for women worldwide.
Guided by the National Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy, the WEIDE Fund will provide financing, market access, and tools for women to excel in sectors where they already demonstrate leadership — from agriculture and textiles to manufacturing, services, and the digital economy.
Minister Imaan pointed to the urgent need for inclusive growth, revealing that women own 41% of Nigeria’s micro-businesses yet receive less than 20% of available credit. She stressed that closing the gender gap in the workforce could boost Nigeria’s GDP by up to 23% by 2025, adding, “This is not just a political gesture — it is a national imperative. No country can close the economic gap without closing the gender gap.”
Addressing the new cohort, Minister Imaan described them as “innovators, job creators, and ambassadors of our nation’s resilience.” She told them, “The future of Nigeria’s economy lies in your hands,” affirming their role as the faces of a financial revolution powered by women.
She expressed deep appreciation to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her steadfast support of Nigerian women through the Renewed Hope Initiative, and to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment for championing inclusive trade policies.
Minister Imaan called on government, the private sector, and development partners to unite behind this national vision, urging, “Let us write this new chapter together — where the ideas of our women light the way, and their resilience becomes the anthem of our shared prosperity.”
