The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women have unveiled a transformative partnership aimed at reshaping the landscape for women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
The partnership was formalised during a high-level signing ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja, at the private residence of Cherie Blair CBE KC, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.
Jonathan Eze, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, disclosed that the initiative was designed to enhance access to vital training, financial resources, and market opportunities for women-led enterprises throughout the country.
Cherie Blair expressed her deep enthusiasm for the partnership and stressed the importance of supporting women in business. “I have enormous appreciation for the Ministry’s vision and commitment to women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, a commitment I share.
“Women and their businesses are critical to Nigeria’s economy, and we must address the challenges they face to ensure sustainable growth, economic independence, and representation as leaders,” she said.
Dhivya O’Connor, CEO of the Cherie Blair Foundation, noted that with 150,000 women already supported in Nigeria, the Foundation was positioned to make a substantial impact through the new collaboration.
“We welcome the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs adopting this tried-and-tested approach to support women’s entrepreneurship, specialist training, digital technology to engage women, strong localisation, and committed, long-term collaboration,” she said.
Also Read: Lagos State gets gender desk to encourage women contractors
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the partnership aligns with the Ministry’s flagship initiative, Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions, 774, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This partnership reflects our shared belief that empowering women economically is not optional, it is essential.
“Through this collaboration, we are scaling real tools, real access, and real opportunity.
“We are not just telling stories of change; we are building systems of change that will uplift millions of Nigerian women and strengthen the future of our economy,” the Minister stated.
The initiative aims to significantly improve the lives of women, children, families, and vulnerable populations across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
NAN
