Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BoI) has disbursed over N20.5 billion in 2017 to 346 women entrepreneurs in the country, it’s managing director, Kayode Pitan has disclosed.
Pitan said on Thursday at the bank’s celebration of the 2018 International Women’s Day (IWD) in Lagos. Represented by Waheed Olagunju, BoI’s Head of SMEs. he said the bank recognised the role, achievements, and contributions of women entrepreneurs to the development of the nation’s economy.
The disbursement impacted positively on livelihood, job creation and GDP growth of the citizens in the country, he said, adding that Bol had earmarked N22 billion for 2018 to support women businesses and build on past successes to drive economic growth and recovery.
The bank’s support for women entrepreneur is channeled through its Gender Business Group, which promotes women enterprises through innovative, financial and business support services. Pitan reaffirmed its commitment to continuing on this path.
The bank would continue to equip women with requisite skills and knowledge aimed at driving entrepreneurship growth, he said, noting that supporting women can unleash a strong force for innovation, productivity, wealth creation and economic growth.
The International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 annually to recognise the roles of women and seek gender equality and women empowerment and this year’s theme is: “Press for Progress”.
