More than 1.4 million women and youths have so far received training on financial literacy and business fundamentals, by Kudimata Nigeria Limited, under the coordination of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
Speaking at the 25th National Council on Women Affairs in Benin City, Edo State, Kathleen Erhimu, founder of Kudimata Nigeria Limited, said the initiative is part of efforts to deepen financial inclusion and support entrepreneurship.
The event was held under the theme: “Strengthening Systems and Deepening Social Impact: Advancing the Renewed Hope Social Agenda for Women, Children, the Family, and Vulnerable Groups.”
Erhimu, at the event, called for stronger systems and partnerships to advance women’s financial empowerment, describing financial literacy as a “lifeline, not a luxury.”
She also commended the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for her “visionary leadership in repositioning the Ministry and driving a results-oriented agenda for women and families.”
“Under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister, we have seen an intentional drive to move from programs to impact, and from talk to transformation. She has redefined what it means to lead with compassion, precision, and purpose,” Erhimu said.
On Kudimata’s achievements, she said the organization has trained 250,000 women through the EmpowerHER Initiative, certified 30,000 entrepreneurs, and equipped 7,800 professionals with leadership and management skills.
The group also facilitated the registration of over 30,000 small businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission at a 50% discount, empowered 1,800 startups with funds and equipment, and introduced financial education in more than a dozen schools across the country.
“When women are financially included, families are stronger, communities are safer, and nations are richer,” she said, urging stakeholders to see women’s empowerment as a “critical tool for sustainable development and national progress.”
“The real social impact begins when every woman, no matter her background, can look at her life and say, ‘I am not just surviving; I am thriving,’” she added.
Erhimu reaffirmed Kudimata’s commitment to advancing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Social Agenda through partnerships that expand access to financial education, entrepreneurship support, and social inclusion.
The council, organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Edo State Government, brought together policymakers, development partners, and gender advocates to review progress and chart new strategies for improving the welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups.
