The Group Managing Director of MOJEC Group, Chantelle Abdul, has launched the Women Empowerment Fund, a new initiative aimed at tackling poverty and driving economic inclusion among women in Nigeria’s informal sector. The launch, held in Lagos, brought together women entrepreneurs for capacity-building sessions and practical business support designed to strengthen livelihoods and increase income generation.
According to a statement by the Head of Corporate Communications at Mojec International, Chris Olisa, the initiative provided immediate support to 120 women through a combination of equipment and financial assistance. The empowerment package included 55 grinding machines, 23 industrial sewing machines, 63 hair dryers, and cash grants totaling up to N12 million.
Speaking at the launch, Abdul, who also founded and convened the Women Empowerment Fund, said the initiative was created to address persistent barriers women face in accessing economic opportunities. She emphasised that WEF aims to help women transition from subsistence-level ventures to sustainable and scalable businesses.
“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. She further stressed that women are central to societal development, noting that any meaningful poverty reduction effort must include deliberate investment in women’s economic empowerment.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ayomide Oluwasade, highlighted the significance of the intervention, saying that access to capital had previously been a major challenge and that the support would significantly enhance her business operations.
The launch also featured a panel discussion with key stakeholders, including Mrs. Mojisola Abdul, Chairman of MOJEC Group; Mrs. Omowunmi Akingbohungbe of WINBIZ; Chantelle Abdul; and Mrs. Adebisi Ajayi, Head of Gender and Development at the Bank of Industry. Panelists discussed critical issues such as women’s economic inclusion, access to finance, and strategies for building sustainable enterprises.
The Women Empowerment Fund, according to Olisa, 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 long-term growth.
