DBN, OEAHD Train Over 400 Women In Adamawa, Kano

In a strategic move to advance gender empowerment and foster economic inclusion, the Organisation for Environmental, Agricultural and Health Development (OEAHD), in collaboration with the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), has successfully launched a comprehensive Skill Acquisition and Capacity Development Program for over 400 women across the the Local Government Areas of Adamawa and Kano States.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Tony Opkanachi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DBN Plc represented by Mr. Idris Salihu, Head of Corporate Services highlighted the overarching objective of the initiative: to enhance access to finance for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), while also equipping participants with the knowledge and tools required to transition from financial exclusion to financial inclusion.

Themed “Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship for Economic Inclusion,” the program is designed to guide participants through the fundamentals of business creation and management, including registration, bookkeeping, and marketing strategies aimed at ensuring business sustainability and success.

“Empowering women has become increasingly critical,” Okpanachi noted. “Women contribute significantly to national economic growth and to the wellbeing of the communities they serve. This initiative aims to strengthen their capacity to become financially independent and economically productive.”

Since its inception in 2015, the Development Bank of Nigeria has disbursed over ₦1 trillion in empowerment initiatives 62% of which, Okpanachi emphasized, has directly benefited women.

He also noted that a robust monitoring and evaluation framework has been instituted to assess the impact of the program and ensure the sustainability of businesses established through it.

In her remarks, Mrs. Tabitha Iliya Sallah, President of OEAHD, emphasized that the training encompasses practical skills in agriculture, environmental sustainability, health services, and entrepreneurship. The goal, she said, is to enable women to become economically empowered and socially impactful.

“This training is more than just a workshop, it is an investment in the future,” she said. “We are committed to ensuring that women are not left behind in the economic transformation of our nation. Your participation and leadership are not optional; they are essential.”

She encouraged participants to see themselves as pioneers and changemakers, stating that the program is designed to bridge the gender gap in economic opportunities and provide women with the necessary tools to build businesses, improve livelihoods, and foster community growth.

“To the women seated here today: you are the builders of homes, businesses, and communities,” she said. “With the right support, skills, and mindset, you can transform not only your personal journeys but the future of Nigeria as a whole.”

Mrs. Sallah also commended DBN for its strong partnership and continued dedication to inclusive development and gender equity. The collaboration, she said, reflects a growing national recognition of the importance of targeted support systems that enable women to become active drivers of economic progress.

In their testimonies, Christiana Filibus—a physically challenged participant and Mary Yusuf expressed their appreciation for the opportunity and pledged to apply the knowledge acquired. “The professional advice we received from the CAC, NAFDAC, and SON was invaluable,” they said. “We are committed to registering and formalizing our businesses to ensure long-term growth.”

Earlier in her address, Hon. Neido Kofulto, Commissioner for Women Affairs Adamawa State, described the initiative as both timely and essential. She noted that enabling women to become self-reliant is crucial for building a future where women are not merely beneficiaries of development but leaders and architects of it.

She expressed gratitude to OEAHD and DBN for prioritizing women’s empowerment and urged participants to fully engage with the program.

“This is more than an opportunity, it’s a call to action,” she said. “Take this seriously, absorb every lesson, and leave here not just with new skills but with a renewed sense of purpose and leadership.”