🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Federal Government, World Bank empower 25,000 Ekiti women with investment funds
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank and Ekiti State Government, has initiated the disbursement of community investment funds to 1,500 women's groups in Ekiti State. This initiative, part of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project, aims to support business expansion and economic growth for 25,000 women involved in various economic activities. Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated that the program aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on poverty reduction, job creation, and economic dignity for Nigerians, particularly women. The project addresses structural barriers women face in accessing finance, technology, and markets. The World Bank Task Team Manager, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi, highlighted that the program will benefit five million women nationwide, with 150,000 women in Ekiti State initially. Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed gratitude for Ekiti's selection and pledged to expand the program across the state, urging beneficiaries to use the funds wisely for productive ventures. The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, noted that each participating women's affinity group would receive N1.65 million to support their livelihoods.
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Mallam Isa Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, has called on Nigerian musicians to produce enduring songs that will secure their place in the memories of future generations. Onilu made the statement during the unveiling of a monument honoring the late Fuji music pioneer, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan. He highlighted Barrister's continued relevance nearly 16 years after his death as an example of music with lasting impact. Onilu also advised Barrister's supporters to focus on preserving his contributions to Nigerian music. Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, noted that the state government had previously honored Barrister with a posthumous award. Mrs. Otuka Pamela Oriyomi, Curator and Zonal Director of the National Museum of Unity, described the monument as a historic development, marking Barrister as the first musician to have a monument erected within the museum premises. Alhaji Olaide Olawumi, Chairman of BarryFest, stated that the monument reflects Barrister's enduring impact on Nigeria's music industry and cultural history, recognizing him as a trailblazer who elevated Fuji Music to international recognition. The monument was unveiled as part of efforts by Barrister's admirers to immortalize him and celebrate his contributions to Fuji music in Nigeria.
Must ReadTropical General Investments Group and Singapore-based Wilmar International have formed a new 50:50 joint venture, merging their businesses in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. This partnership targets a market estimated at $12 billion and will combine operations across agriculture, oil palm plantations, edible oils, edible nuts, rice, food manufacturing, and distribution. The companies stated this will create one of the largest integrated food and agriculture platforms in the region. Mr. Kuok Hong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wilmar International, noted the partnership will strengthen their ability to serve the growing consumer market in Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Benin. Cornelis Vink, Founder and Chairman of TGI Group, highlighted that the deal brings together two complementary businesses focused on quality food products, leveraging Wilmar’s global scale and expertise with TGI’s local knowledge. Farouk Gumel, Vice Chairman of TGI Group, emphasized the partnership's confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects and commitment to local investment, aiming to deepen domestic value addition, support smallholder farmers, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s food security. Santosh Pillai, Wilmar’s Africa Head, described the transaction as a strategic fit, combining TGI Group’s local execution capabilities, established consumer brands, and distribution network with Wilmar’s strengths. The transaction is expected to close during the 2026 financial year, subjec
Must ReadThe Lake Chad Basin has received an €11.25 million funding boost for a regional water management initiative, the Lake Chad Water Management Action LACHAWAMA. This program aims to strengthen water governance, climate resilience, and regional stability in one of Africa’s most vulnerable ecosystems. Launched in Bangui, Central African Republic, by the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, and the Government of the Central African Republic, the initiative will benefit Nigeria and other member countries by promoting sustainable management of shared water resources and improving cooperation. The funding includes €7 million from the European Union and €4.25 million from Germany. The program will support resilient infrastructure, hydrological monitoring systems, technical assistance, and investment mobilization. For Nigeria, particularly the North-East, the initiative is expected to strengthen environmental sustainability and support economic recovery in communities affected by climate change and conflict. President of the Central African Republic, Prof Faustin-Archange Touadéra, emphasized the program's importance, while Mr Serge Panaget, Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to the Central African Republic, highlighted the EU’s commitment to African-led solutions. The Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Amb Ibrahim Babani, stated that LACHAWAMA demonstrates the collective resolve of member states to tackle s
The family of late former Head of State, Maj Gen Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, has honored late Lt Col Adekunle Fajuyi, describing his death as a "supreme and heroic sacrifice" for national unity. Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, wrote a letter of remembrance and solidarity to the Fajuyi family on the 60th anniversary of his death. The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup. Fajuyi chose loyalty over personal safety, refusing to abandon his guest and superior, which the family stated reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood. His action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continues to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service. The Aguiyi-Ironsi family expressed sympathy to the Fajuyi family and called on government institutions and military authorities to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remains a national responsibility to remember and honor. They urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy challenges the nation to uphold unity, courage, honor, and selfless service. Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.