Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), celebrated International Women's Day (IWD) 2026 on the 12th of March at Abuja Continental Hotel. I was a valued participant. IWD is celebrated world wide on the 8th of March, but many organisations celebrate the day during the month of March at their convenience. DBN's celebration was spectacular because it culminated in a N6m windfall for six awardees who had undergone a three-month mentoring facilitated by the Bank and her partners...they had three more months to go to complete their six-month tutelage. Each of the young ladies got one million Naira to further develop her business. In essence DBN gave N6m to gain six promising female entrepreneurs for further grooming which could lead to excellence in their various enterprises - all in the spirit of #Give To Gain, the theme for IWD this year...Impressive!
Mrs. Kemi Adeosun (Keynote Speaker & Former Minister): I have transited from the public sector to entrepreneurship. I have set up DashMe Foundation. There's a financing gap in Nigeria, and SMEs (Small & Medium Scale Enterprises) are filling this gap. SMEs need support. That's why what DBN is doing - supporting six female entreprereurs is worthy of emulation and it's in line with this year's theme for IWD. When I assumed office as Finance Minister, the DBN project had run aground. Alhaji Bukar ensured that my attention remained focused on it. Adaorah was my Special Adviser. Ijeoma blew us away at the interview. Tony Opara got the job, in spite of the fact that someone close to me was also an interviewee. The recruitment process for DBN was thorough! That's why the Bank remains solid till today...
We need to flip the script. We should stop fighting or appealing to be heard. We should start telling the stories of successful female entrepreneurs in various fields like the six young women we are celebrating today. I write for This Day Newspaper every Monday under the caption: 'This Day on Monday with Kemi Adeosun'. Money helps culture grow. We need DBN in each state plus the FCT. We should democratise wealth among women. Women are serious with money. Women have a history of paying back when they take loans. Women are 41% of SMEs and SMEs are 80% of the economy.
Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa: In my intervention, I made it abundantly clear that I attended the event because of Mrs. Kemi Adeosun. I said that at 68 years old and a retiree, I'm retired but not tired. I remain active as a viable Consultant in the fields of Gender, Conflict Transformation, Mediation, etc. What package does DBN have for active senior female citizens in business?
Fire Side Chat: Fatogbe, Awogbade & Osakwe highlighted their experiences as serial entrepreneurs. The bottom line: The female entrepreneur needs to be audacious and believe in herself even if no one else does. Mentorship is important. Women should stop being risk averse. Be your authentic self and have fearless ambition. You should know when to leave an organisation. Understand money and know how to invest.
It was an interesting time out with the six young female awardees who became instant millionaires. I urge you all to expend the money in the pursuit of excellence in your various enterprises.
No comments:
Post a Comment