First Bank of Nigeria Limited has partnered with the International Women’s Society (IWS) to empower over 250 widows, in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows’ Day.
Beneficiaries at the event held in Lagos and tagged ‘IWS Widows Feast and Empowerment Programme’, received various essential tools, equipment, and grants.
Items distributed were sewing machines, freezers, coolers, hair dryers, cake mixers, industrial cooking gas, generators, and freezers to help the widows establish and sustain their businesses.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Customer Experience Officer of FirstBank, Lande Atere, said the financial institution had been partnering with IWS for over a decade.
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Atere stated that the bank has been empowering women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with funding and skills acquisition.
“As an organisation that strategically prioritises financial inclusion, we will continue to support IWS in creating entrepreneurial opportunities and promoting self-reliance and vocational skills among women,” she said.
On her part, the Chairperson of the International Women’s Society (IWS) Widows Trust Fund (WTF), Adebanke Adeola, appreciated First Bank for supporting the society in empowering and feasting with the widows.
Adeola noted that the bank provided Point of Sale (POS) machines to improve the benefiting widows’ access to financial services and income generation opportunities.
Also, some beneficiaries would receive extra working capital through the generosity of the financial institution and other sponsors.
“This partnership, along with generous sponsorships from other companies and individuals, enables us to continue our mission and expand our impact. The programme, organised yearly, aims to help widows achieve financial independence and self-sufficiency,” Adeola added.
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