YOLA, Sept. 16, 2025
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) says it has disbursed over ₦1 trillion in empowerment funds since its establishment in 2015, with 62 per cent of the beneficiaries being women entrepreneurs.
DBN’s Managing Director, Mr. Tobi Okparachi, disclosed this on Tuesday in Yola during a women empowerment programme.
Okparachi, who was represented by the bank’s Head of Corporate Services, Mr. Idris Salihu, said the initiative was part of DBN’s commitment to gender equality and financial inclusion.
In partnership with the Organisation for Environmental, Agricultural and Health Development (OEAHD), the bank trained 200 women drawn from the 21 local government areas of Adamawa State.
The programme, themed “Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship for Economic Inclusion,” was designed to promote women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and financial independence.
Okparachi explained that the initiative was aimed at expanding women’s access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He added that the training was structured to provide participants with the tools and knowledge to transition from financial exclusion to inclusion.
“Empowering women has become increasingly critical. Women contribute significantly to economic growth and community wellbeing.
“This initiative seeks to strengthen their capacity to become financially independent and economically productive,” he said.
The DBN Chief noted that a robust monitoring and evaluation framework had been set up to measure the impact and sustainability of the businesses created through the programme.
Also speaking, Mrs. Tabitha Sallah, President of OEAHD, said the training focused on practical skills in agriculture, environmental sustainability, health services and entrepreneurship.
She described the empowerment initiative as a strategic investment in the nation’s future, stressing that it was designed to reduce the gender gap in economic opportunities.
“We are committed to ensuring that women are not left behind in the economic transformation of our nation.
“Our participation and leadership are not optional; they are essential,” she said.
Sallah praised DBN for the collaboration, adding that the partnership represented a national effort to enable women drive economic progress.
On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Neido Kofulto, lauded the initiative as timely and essential.
She urged beneficiaries to apply the skills gained to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
One of the participants, Mrs. Christiana Filibus, a physically challenged woman, expressed gratitude for being part of the programme.
She said the training had exposed her to critical knowledge in business registration, marketing and regulatory compliance.
“The professional advice we received from CAC, NAFDAC and BOI was invaluable.
“We are committed to registering and formalising our businesses to ensure long-term growth,” she said. GMTNewsng
