The Alternative Bank has hosted a high-level virtual convening to commemorate the International Day for Rural Women.
The event brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and development partners to chart a course of development under the theme: ‘Rural Women and MSMEs: Driving Sustainability, Strengthening Economies, Securing Our Shared Tomorrow.’
The event signalled the launch of Alternative Bank-Utiva Women in Tech Scholarship, an initiative that will empower 20 women entrepreneurs in its inaugural cohort beginning November 2025.
The occasion, which aligned with global observances of the United Nations’ Rural Women’s Day, featured an inspiring line-up of speakers and sessions designed to celebrate, empower, and advocate for rural women across Nigeria and Africa.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Executive Director (South) of The Alternative Bank, described the day as “a call to action,” pledging the bank’s commitment to building an inclusive financial ecosystem that empowers women and strengthens communities.
“Rural women are the heartbeat of food systems, the lifeline of families, and the silent architects of community resilience. Empowering rural women is a moral imperative as much as it is smart economics and a cornerstone of sustainable national growth. In recognition of this potential, the doors of The Alternative Bank remain open, ready to partner, finance ideas, and co-create sustainable solutions that empower women and strengthen communities,” she said.
Demola-Adeniyi also announced the launch of the Alternative Bank-Utiva Women in Tech Scholarship, an initiative that will empower 20 women entrepreneurs in its inaugural cohort beginning November 2025.
The scholarship will provide beneficiaries with digital skills, innovation design, and business growth training, enabling them to scale their enterprises and strengthen their participation in the digital economy.
Eyitayo Ogunmola, chief executive officer of Utiva, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to redefine access to digital opportunities for women, saying, “At Utiva, we believe that when women are equipped with the right digital skills, they don’t just transform their businesses they transform their communities.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South),Hon. Gift Johnbull, delivered a goodwill message reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to women’s empowerment.
From the United Nations, Osalobo Osemhenjie, Programme Specialist at UN Women, spoke on behalf of the UN Women Country Representative, Ms. Beatrice Eyong. she highlighted the global body’s ongoing interventions in Nigeria, including the provision of business kits, rice milling equipment, and low-cost biogas systems for women across multiple states.
A key highlight of the event was the thematic presentation by Kemi Ayanda, Economic Development and Trade Strategist for Africa and the Middle East, who delivered a thought-provoking paper titled ‘From Fields to Frontlines: Empowering Rural Women and Women MSMEs as Architects of Climate Resilience and Sustainable Prosperity.’
The Alternative Bank’s commemoration of the International Day for Rural Women underscores its mission to drive sustainable, inclusive, and ethical finance models that unlock opportunities for women-led enterprises, strengthen local economies, and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term economic resilience.
