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UNDP Facilitates $10 million lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria
UNDP Facilitates $10 million lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has facilitated $10 million in investment from trade lender for business women in the country.
This lift is coming under the recently launched #HerAfCFTA initiative of UNDP which is aimed at helping women entrepreneurs in Nigeria as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The programme offers support in areas such as: capacity building, market access, trade facilitation, business networking, investment, and digitalization.
The AfCFTA is a trade agreement that aims to boost intra-African trade and promote economic development. It presents opportunities for women entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses, access new markets, and grow their businesses.
Women entrepreneurs on the continent have been reported to be facing challenges ranging from gender-based violence, limited market access, and lack of access to business tools.
Speaking at the #HerAfCFTA forum in Abuja with the theme: Empowering Women-led Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises for continental trade opportunities, the UNDP National Programme Specialist, Ms. Clare Henshaw said the UN agency under the #HerAfCFTA has been able to successfully facilitated the $10 million as
seed projects.
At the forum, which is in collaboration with Women Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Henshaw also disclosed that there would be more funding for women and youth in business but they have to be ready.
She said: “As we speak, not only have they successfully facilitated $10 million investment from trade lenders to seed projects, just one business, we’ve also been able to pile up a number of businesses and partners that are coming your way, if only you are ready.”
She revealed that the six months old #HerAfCFTA initiative has a target of raising $30 million to support women in business.
On her part, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, speaking on equipping the women to break the barriers confronting them, said the initiative focuses on equipping them with tools needed to succeed within the AfCFTA ecosystem.
Attafuah who was represented by the Senior Economic Advisor, UNDP, Mr. Tony Muhuuza, stressed that the initiative is unlocking a wealth of information for Nigerian women entrepreneurs, while at the same time widening their network.
The UNDP Nigeria Representative said: “Our #HerAfCFTA initiative focuses on equipping women with tools they need to succeed in the continental trade ecosystem. Under this initiative, we at UNDP have designed three key components to address the unique challenges that women face and to ensure their success in this new trade environment.
“Under #HerAfCFTA, we focus on equipping women entrepreneurs with insights and tools they need to navigate regional and international trade. By providing access to market intelligence, policy support and capacity building, we empower women to make informed decisions that enhance their competitiveness.
“We are unlocking a wealth of information for Nigerian women entrepreneurs. Number two is her network. Collaboration is very, very key to scaling up success.
“And this component creates platforms for enhanced business-to-business connections and digital networking. From virtual matchmaking events to in-person dialogues like the one we are having today, our AfCFTA network is about building bridges, fostering relationships that can lead to transformative trade opportunities. The third is her facility.
“This is about scaling a business require resources and her facility will actually focus on normalizing the financial, technical support needed to make that happen. From trade facilitation to investment in logistics to branding and export processes, our facility component ensures that women entrepreneurs are equipped to scale their operations and compete effectively in both the local and regional markets. Today’s masterclass and sessions are an embodiment of this vision.
“By focusing on market intelligence, branding, compliance, and trade facilitation, we are not only addressing immediate challenges but also equipping our entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to cross borders, shatter glass ceilings, and redefine trade across Africa.”
She said she sees a continent where women are in forefront of development.
She said: “Imagine a Nigeria where women-led businesses thrive, where agro-products are skilled to meet export demands, where garments and handmade goods are displayed proudly in shops across Africa, and where women voices shape trade policies and negotiations. This vision will actually start with you.
“As we move forward, we implore you to make collective commitments.
Policy makers, women partners, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, we need to build a trade ecosystem that is inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
” As I conclude, let us ensure that the AfCFTA becomes a living testament to Africa and to make sure that we invest in the greatest resource that its people have, especially the women that have the potential to turn these possibilities into realities.”
UNDP Facilitates $10 million lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria
News
Gov. Uba Sani visits scene of Kurmin Wali attack,vows to free captives
Gov. Uba Sani visits scene of Kurmin Wali attack,vows to free captives
By: Zagazola Makama
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Wednesday visited Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area, scene of a recent bandit attack, where he admitted the incident and pledged decisive action to secure the release of those abducted.
The governor, who commiserated with the victims and their families, described the Jan. 18 attack on three churches in the community as painful and unacceptable, assuring residents that his administration would intensify efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.

Sani said the state government would work closely with the military and other security stakeholders to ensure the safe return of all captives and prevent a recurrence of such attacks.
He appealed to the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), a native of Kaduna State, to support the establishment of a military base in the area to enhance security and deter criminal elements.
The governor also announced plans to construct an access road to Kurmin Wali, establish a Primary Health Care centre, and provide other social amenities to improve living conditions and strengthen government presence in the community.

Addressing international and local journalists who accompanied him to the village, Sani said his administration remained committed to protecting lives and property across Kaduna State.

Residents of Kurmin Wali thanked the governor for the visit and pledged their cooperation with the government to help secure the release of the abducted persons and sustain peace in the area.
Gov. Uba Sani visits scene of Kurmin Wali attack,vows to free captives
News
The Emir of Tikau urges the new Emir of Gamawa to carry his people along for the development of the emirate
The Emir of Tikau urges the new Emir of Gamawa to carry his people along for the development of the emirate
By: Yahaya Wakili
His Royal Highness the Emir of Tikau in Yobe State, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema II, has called on the new emir of Gamawa in Bauchi State, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Adamu, to carry everybody along in the emirate for the development of the nation.
The royal father made the appeal today at his place in Sabon Garin Nangere while receiving the new emir of Gamawa in Bauchi state, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Adamu. He said the creation of emirates is a great development for the nation.
“As we know, there was a very strong relationship between the Gamawa and Tikau emirates, and these will continue existing, and we share a boundary with them, and there was something that was raised between us and them, and anything that affected them affected us directly.” The Royal Father said.
According to Mai Tikau, the most cases we have are the conflicts between the farmers and the herders from time to time. Sometimes they will enter our territory, and sometimes we will enter their own, adding that, for the issue of the border, we hope with your coming as the new emir of Gamawa, this problem will be solved.
Speaking earlier, the emir of Gamawa, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Adamu, said they were at Tikau Place to express their appreciation to the royal father, the emir of Tikau, for his support given to us since we emerged as the new emir of Gamawa.
He said, “Immediately His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Hon. Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad Kaura, created this emirate. Mai Tikau is the first person who sent a delegation to Gamawa to congratulate us.”
The Emir of Tikau urges the new Emir of Gamawa to carry his people along for the development of the emirate
News
Former Minister visits Gimba Memorial School in Potiskum
Former Minister visits Gimba Memorial School in Potiskum
By: Yahaya Wakili
The former Minister of Police Affairs and Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Yobe State, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, has paid a surprise visit to Hafsatu Gimba Ahmed Memorial School in Potiskum, where he was warmly received by the students and the school management.
During the visit, the former minister distributed educational materials and foodstuff to the pupils and commended the school’s leadership for its commitment to quality education.

Adamu Waziri moved from classroom to classroom, where he engaged directly with students in a cheerful and fatherly manner and charged them to take their studies seriously, noting the importance of reading as a key to personal and national development.
He commended the proprietor of the school, Dr. Hassan Gimba Ahmed, the publisher/editor-in-chief of NEPTUNE PRIME, for his dedication to education and community service as a whole, adding that what Dr. Hassan Gimba has done here is not just building a school but building a legacy.
Earlier, the proprietor of the school, Dr. Hassan Gimba Ahmed, ably represented by the school’s management, thanked Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri for his generosity and continued interest in youth development and described the visit as a major encouragement to the school and the community hosting it.
“This gesture underscores Adamu Maina Waziri’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders even beyond his years of public service.
The highlight of the visit concluded with a group photograph and heartfelt appreciation from students, many of whom said they were inspired by the former minister’s humility and kindness.
The former minister of police affairs was accompanied by Dr. Zainab Boni Haruna, Engr. Abubakar Adamu Waziri (alias Cargo), Hon. Umar Khali, ADC state party chairman, Hon. Lawan Mammadu Kori, and Dr. Mamu Muhammad, among others.
Former Minister visits Gimba Memorial School in Potiskum.
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