EMPOWERHER Initiative: Tinubu, UBA GMD, others champion women empowerment
…78% of UBA working capital loans are to women-led businesses — UBA GMD
By Esther Agbo
UBA’s Group Managing Director (GMD), Oliver Alawuba, has reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs, noting that 78% of UBA’s working capital loans are to women-led businesses.
He made this assertion during the ‘EMPOWERHER’ program on October 15, 2024, at the Villa Banquet Hall, which was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, among others.
Oliver Alawuba praised President Tinubu’s leadership in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. He also acknowledged First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s advocacy and Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye’s commitment to addressing gender inequality.
Alawuba highlighted the crucial role women play in agriculture, contributing over 70% of the labor force, yet facing significant challenges in accessing resources. He emphasised UBA’s commitment to gender equality, evident in its 50% female board representation, 40% female senior management, and 59% female graduate management trainees.
“Empowering women is not only morally right but also economically beneficial,” Elumelu stated, citing the potential $12 trillion increase in global GDP by 2025 if the gender gap is closed. He urged collective action from individuals, organisations, and the private sector to support women’s empowerment.
“The event, themed ‘Farming to Feed the Nation, Empowerment to Give Women Voices, and Justice for Crimes to Have Consequences via Mobile Court,’ captures the essence of the multifaceted issues confronting women in Nigeria and the need for a comprehensive response,” he said, adding that empowering women in agriculture is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was recognised for her tireless advocacy for women’s rights through the “Renewed Hope Initiative,” which has become a pillar in uplifting women and children.
The GMD emphasised the need for collaboration across all sectors to support women’s empowerment and called on individuals and corporations to contribute to the EMPOWERHER initiative.
“Let us also celebrate Her Excellency, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her passionate advocacy and her drive toward improving the social, economic, and political standing of women in Nigeria,” the GMD said.
“Her dedication to causes that uplift women and children through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Initiative has laid a strong foundation for women’s empowerment in all spheres of life.”
Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, was lauded for her hands-on leadership in advancing gender equality and addressing barriers to economic opportunities for women. Her efforts in facilitating mobile courts to ensure justice for women were particularly highlighted.
The event concluded with a powerful quote from Malala Yousafzai: “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”
The GMD called on all stakeholders to contribute to the cause of women empowerment, noting that “investing in women is investing in the future of Nigeria.”
