Ahmadu Bello University ICERFE and Opay Digital Services Empower 100 Host Community Women

In a bid to eradicate poverty, Ahmadu Bello University's (ABU) International Centre of Excellence for Rural Finance and Entrepreneurship (ICERFE) and Opay Digital Services have empowered 100 women from the host community.

The empowerment program, which took place on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the ICERFE building, aimed to promote entrepreneurship and economic independence among women. The event was attended by the university's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, who encouraged the beneficiaries to ensure sustainability and minimize the possibility of failure in the future.

Prof. Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research, and Innovation, represented the Vice-Chancellor and stressed that the main objective of the training program was to empower mothers in the society. The best 50 selected beneficiaries received starter packs, and Prof. Bala commended their dedication and commitment during the training.

Dr. Idris Bashir Bugaje, Director of ICERFE, emphasized that the training was designed to empower women, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen communities. He appreciated Opay Digital Services for their financial support and commitment to corporate social responsibility, describing the initiative as a testament to their vital role in community development.

The representative of Opay Digital Services, Head of Marketing Mr. Kunle Adeyemi, expressed excitement about being part of the program, which aims to build a more economic society. He thanked the Vice-Chancellor and staff for the opportunity to contribute to many lives and wished for more collaborations with the university.