The Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN), in partnership with the Organisation for Environmental, Agricultural and Health Development (OEAHD), has empowered over 200 vulnerable women with entrepreneurial development skills in Gombe and Yobe states.

The bank said the programme was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at providing soft skills acquisition for selected women, including physically-challenged women in the north-eastern part of the country.

National Coordinator, OEAHD, Tabitha Iliya Sallah, who spoke while addressing participants at the event, emphasised the significant roles women play in the socio-economic development of the nation.

“The importance of women’s participation in entrepreneurship cannot be overstated. It is not just about fostering gender equality, but also tapping into the full potential of our nation’s human resources.

“As entrepreneurs, women have the power to innovate, create jobs, and drive economic growth, because when they are economically empowered, their communities and the nation at large would benefit.

“The fact that this programme has been made possible through the collaboration of OEAHD and DBN is a testament to our collaborative commitment and dedication to women’s economic empowerment across regions, especially displaced women.”

She also commended the DBN for sustaining its long-term vision of alleviating financing constraints faced by Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and small corporations in Nigeria.

Sallah noted that by providing training, mentorship, and access to finance, the bank was creating a nurturing environment for women to thrive, thereby bridging the gender gap and promoting sustainable economic development.

Managing Director of DBN, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, who also spoke at the event, affirmed that the training was in line with the bank’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the capacity of MSMEs in the country so that they could continue to contribute more to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP).