Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key international partners for their support in launching the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a landmark initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian women entrepreneurs through international trade and digital innovation.

In a statement on Friday by her Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Mr Jonathan Eze, the Minister praised President Tinubu’s commitment to empowering women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the WEIDE Fund as a strategic step toward positioning Nigerian women at the forefront of global commerce.

“President Tinubu has once again demonstrated his unwavering support for Nigerian women-led enterprises by ensuring their inclusion in global digital trade platforms,” she stated. “Under his visionary leadership, women entrepreneurs are now better equipped to innovate, grow, and compete internationally.”

Highlighting the critical role of women in Nigeria’s economy, the Minister noted that women currently constitute 43% of MSMEs and contribute over 23% to the national GDP. She emphasized their importance not only in driving domestic growth but also in advancing Nigeria’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy.

At the heart of this transformation is the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Program (RH-SII), spearheaded by the Ministry, which provides digital tools, skills training, access to finance, and market linkages for women-led businesses.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also extended appreciation to key partners in the success of the WEIDE Fund, including: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), led by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), under Mrs. Nonye Ayeni.

She also acknowledged international funders such as the United Arab Emirates and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund for their financial contributions to the initiative.

The Minister celebrated the recipients of the WEIDE Fund, describing them as “innovators, leaders, and ambassadors of Nigeria’s ingenuity,” whose achievements reflect the power of inclusive growth and women’s economic participation.

“Your success is not just personal—it is a national victory that reaffirms the transformative potential of women-led enterprises in reshaping global trade,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to removing barriers for women and fostering sustainable economic transformation.

“We remain resolute in our mission to empower Nigerian women, break barriers, and drive inclusive prosperity,” she affirmed.
[13:16, 16/08/2025] Editor Tokumbo: NCAA Grants Approval to Gateway Airport to Begin Commercial Flights

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Friday, granted approval to the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State, to begin commercial flight operations.

The approval, given in line with Part 12.15.17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), granted an Interim Aerodrome Operational Permit to operate scheduled commercial air transport flights at the airport.

Following the approval, a major international aviation company is expected to operate two weekly cargo flights from London to the airport, which will also serve as the designated alternate airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Passenger flights are to be launched, starting with direct routes to Abuja and Port Harcourt.

The move is expected to boost trade, investment, and tourism in Ogun State.

It will be recalled that in December last year, regulatory agencies in the aviation industry, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), had visited the airport, hailing the quality of facilities put in place, as well as their level of completion.

They adjudged the airport as world-standard and a source of pride for Ogun State, saying that the infrastructure at the airport, which includes the Control Tower, Weather Monitoring Areas, Runway, Fire Service Stations, and the Apron, could rival any of their type around the world, adding that they remain one of the best in West Africa.

At the time, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards of NCAA, represented by Ango Mohammed, had noted a significant improvement in the state of facilities at the airport since his last visit, “which is now at the level of any other tower in every standard airport around the globe.”

The post WEIDE Fund: Minister Applauds Tinubu, Okonjo-Iweala, ITC for Supporting Women Entrepreneurs appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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