The Women Empowerment Fund (WEF), a women-focused economic empowerment initiative founded by Ms. Chantelle Abdul, Group Managing Director of MOJEC Group, hosted an empowerment programme in Lagos on Tuesday.
The landmark event convened over 800 women drawn largely from Nigeria’s informal sector, offering capacity-building sessions alongside practical business support. As part of the empowerment drive, 300 women benefitted from a combination of equipment and financial assistance, including 55 grinding machines, 23 industrial sewing machines, and 63 hair dryers, as well as cash grants totaling up to ₦12 million, all provided through the Women Empowerment Fund and her partners.
The initiative is designed to help women entrepreneurs transition from subsistence-level ventures to sustainable and scalable businesses.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Chantelle Abdul, Founder and Convener of WEF, said the initiative was created to address the persistent gender gap in access to capital, mentorship, and economic opportunities faced by women across sub-Saharan Africa.
She noted that WEF began as a dream and has now become a living reality, encouraging women to continue dreaming boldly and never diminishing their identity or potential. According to her, “Women are the fibre of every society.”
“This Fund is built on impact. It is about giving women the tools, confidence, and support they need to scale their businesses and create lasting value within their communities. When women are empowered, families thrive and economies grow,” Abdul said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ayomide Oluwasade, said the financial support would significantly improve her business operations, noting that access to capital had been a major challenge prior to the intervention.
The event also featured an engaging panel session with distinguished leaders, including Mrs. Mojisola Abdul, Chairman of MOJEC Group; Mrs. Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ); Ms. Chantelle Abdul; and Dr. Adebola Oruma, Group Head, Gender Business Group, SME Lending Division, MSME Directorate, Bank of Industry. The panel shared insights on women’s economic inclusion, access to finance, and sustainable enterprise growth.
The Women Empowerment Fund is a national initiative committed to transforming the economic lives of women, particularly those in Nigeria’s informal sector, by providing access to tools, training, mentorship, and opportunities for sustainable growth.
