In a stirring call to action for gender equality and economic inclusion, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, declared that “the hands of our women will build the wealth of our nation,” as she led the charge at the official launch of the Women Entrepreneurs and Innovators for Development (WEIDE) Fund in Abuja.
Describing the initiative as a bold and practical step toward transforming the economic fortunes of Nigerian women, the Minister, in a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Mr Jonathan Eze, emphasized that the WEIDE Fund marks the beginning of a new era in women’s economic empowerment.
“We are here not merely to celebrate a fund, but to celebrate the businesses it will grow, the lives it will transform, and the generations it will inspire,” she stated.
Launched in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), the initiative was graced by WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose presence underscored the global importance of women’s participation in trade and innovation.
The Minister commended Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership, describing her as a “symbol of possibility and inspiration” for women around the world.
At the heart of the Minister’s address was a passionate reaffirmation of the Federal Government’s commitment to gender-responsive development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“This is not just a political gesture,” she said, “it is a national imperative. No country can close the economic gap without closing the gender gap.”
With the recently adopted National Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy serving as a guiding framework, the Minister explained that the WEIDE Fund will provide women with the financing, tools, and market access they need to thrive in sectors where they already demonstrate strength—agriculture, textiles, manufacturing, services, and the digital economy.
Citing data showing that women own 41% of Nigeria’s micro-businesses yet receive less than 20% of available credit, the Minister stressed that empowering women economically is not just right—it’s smart. “Closing the gender gap in the labour force could boost Nigeria’s GDP by up to 23% by 2025,” she noted.
In a heartfelt tribute, she celebrated the 146 exceptional Nigerian women entrepreneurs selected as the first beneficiaries of the WEIDE Fund. “You are innovators, job creators, and ambassadors of our nation’s resilience. The future of Nigeria’s economy lies in your hands.”
She also expressed gratitude to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her unwavering support of Nigerian women through the Renewed Hope Initiative, and to her counterpart, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, for driving inclusive trade and investment policies.
Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on all stakeholders—government, development partners, and the private sector—to join hands in building an inclusive economy powered by women.
“Let us write this new chapter together,” she urged, “where the ideas of our women light the way, and their resilience becomes the anthem of our shared prosperity.
Signed
EmemMARIA Offiong anipr
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