DBN: Over N1trn empowerment funds disbursed since 2015 — women account for 62%

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) says it has disbursed over N1 trillion in empowerment interventions since 2015, with 62 percent benefiting women.

Tony Okpanachi, managing director (MD) of DBN, spoke on Tuesday at a women empowerment programme in Yola, Adamawa.

The event, themed ‘Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship for Economic Inclusion,’ aims to boost gender empowerment, economic inclusion, and financial independence among women.

DBN, in partnership with the Organisation for Environmental, Agricultural and Health Development (OEAHD), trained 200 women across Adamawa’s 21 local government areas (LGAs).

Okpanachi, who was represented by Idris Salihu, the bank’s head of corporate services, said the initiative aims to improve women’s access to finance for medium and small-scale enterprises (MSMEs).

He said the training will equip them with knowledge and tools to transition from financial exclusion to financial inclusion.

“Empowering women has become increasingly critical. Women contribute significantly to economic growth and community wellbeing,” the MD said.

“This initiative seeks to strengthen their capacity to become financially independent and economically productive.”

He explained that a robust monitoring and evaluation framework was created to assess the impact and sustainability of businesses created through the programme.

On her part, Tabitha Sallah, OEAHD president, said the training equipped women with practical skills in agriculture, sustainability, health, and entrepreneurship, bridging the gender gap.

“We are committed to ensuring that women are not left behind in the economic transformation of our nation,” she said.

“Our participation and leadership are not optional; they are essential.”

The OEAHD president lauded DBN for the partnership, saying the collaboration reflected national recognition, targeted to enable women to drive economic progress.

Neido Kofulto, Adamawa’s commissioner for women affairs, commended the initiative as timely and essential.

Kofulto urged participants to apply the skills to improve their livelihoods and contribute to community growth.