In a major move for women’s economic empowerment, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has entered into a strategic partnership with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women to transform opportunities for women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
The landmark agreement was formalised during a high-level signing ceremony held at the private residence of Cherie Blair CBE KC, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.
Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Foundation’s team jointly launched this results-driven collaboration, which aims to expand access to essential training, financial resources, and market opportunities for women-led businesses nationwide.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Jonathan Eze, on Wednesday in Abuja, the initiative is designed to strengthen women-owned enterprises and unlock their economic potential.
Cherie Blair expressed her commitment to the partnership, highlighting its significance for Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I have enormous appreciation for the Ministry’s vision and commitment to women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, one that I share,” Blair said. “Women and their businesses are critical to Nigeria's economy. We must tackle the barriers they face to ensure sustainable growth, economic independence, and leadership representation.”
This collaboration aligns with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs’ flagship Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions – 774, a key program under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The initiative seeks to uplift women, children, families, and vulnerable groups across all 774 local government areas.
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the partnership as essential, stating, “This reflects our shared belief that empowering women economically is not optional; it is vital. Through this collaboration, we are scaling real tools, real access, and real opportunities. We are not just telling stories of change; we are building systems of change to uplift millions of Nigerian women and strengthen our economy’s future.”
“This partnership is the result of months of alignment, trust-building, and a joint mission to deliver measurable impact.”
With nearly 150,000 women already supported in Nigeria, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women is set to deepen its impact through this new initiative. CEO Dhivya O’Connor noted, “We welcome the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs adopting our proven approach—specialist training, digital technology to reach women, strong localization, and long-term collaboration.”
The partnership is expected to open a new chapter of economic empowerment for Nigerian women, leveraging the expertise and commitment of both organizations to drive lasting change in the entrepreneurial landscape.
ADEOLA KUNLE
