ASHENEWS reports that some financial organizations are joining forces in Niger state to drive economic growth through self-employment, financial inclusion, and sustainable agriculture as a means to empower women and youths in rural communities.
To this end, ThriveAgric and Crust Microfinance Bank organized the Niger Youth and Women dialogue with the theme “igniting change and driving economic growth” to implement projects to help women and youths in rural communities to financial independence.
According to the financial institutions, the dialogue would provide participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve financial independence and drive local economic growth.
Olawoye Olawale of Thrive Agric highlighted the program’s focus on transitioning rural youth and women to financial stability through self-employment and capacity-building initiatives. “Our goal is to create a robust system that empowers youth and women in rural areas, equipping them with the skills needed to drive economic growth,” he stated.
He further disclosed that Thrive Agric is also working to promote sustainable farming practices by ensuring that farmers transition to methods that will enhance productivity and long-term agricultural sustainability.
Olawale highlighted the challenges women face in these communities, including limited access to education, technical training, and the knowledge necessary for economic growth. “Women and youth need to be properly equipped with the knowledge required to drive any meaningful economic change,” he added.
Ejile Obike, the regional manager for POS Cross Microfinance Bank, stressed the importance of financial inclusion for women and youth, especially in the current economic climate where access to financial resources is limited. “We are here to empower youth and women by providing them with financial support and educating them on how to access it. We also offer POS terminals to help them provide financial services within their communities,” he explained.
Obike noted that many youths and women in these areas lack business orientation, making it difficult for them to sustain or expand their ventures. To address this, he disclosed that the bank offers training programs to help participants understand how to manage and grow their businesses effectively. The first phase of their initiative has already supported 1,000 youth across five states, and the second phase aims to reach another 1,000 participants within 10 months.
The Founder, Alifat Foundation for Women and Youths, Fatima Yusuf Nuhu applauded the programme saying that there is a need for women to be financially literate for them to be able to manage their businesses and finances effectively.
She stressed the need for women and youths to embrace agriculture as it can improve their livelihood. “Agriculture is now the way to success, offering sustainable opportunities for women and youth,” she said.
Richard Umar, founder of the Community Development and Climate Care Initiative said the challenges faced by women in accessing credit facilities necessitated his organization to facilitate connecting Crust Microfinance Bank and Thrive Agric with the local communities.
He further stated that the project would also train women on ways to adopt smart climate agriculture practices which would help to improve farm yields and promote sustainable development across Nigeria’s rural communities.
