In a year marked by economic challenges, the Nimbus Aid Project has taken a significant step towards empowering women-led businesses in Nigeria. This was the focus of a prize-giving ceremony held on Saturday in Lagos, where the social impact initiative, driven by Nimbus Media Ltd, awarded 40 million Naira in advertising support to 20 inspiring women entrepreneurs.
Wale Adegoke, the CEO of Nimbus Media Ltd, set the tone for the event by acknowledging the hurdles businesses face in today’s ever-changing world. He emphasised the incredible potential for individuals and businesses to transform adversity into opportunity, a message of resilience that resonated with the audience.
In his opening remarks, the Nimbus Aid Project’s convener emphasised the importance of supporting women-led businesses, recognising them as the backbone of the nation; “Their unwavering commitment and sheer determination have allowed them to rise above the most trying circumstances. But they deserve more than just praise for their resilience; they deserve our collective support.”
“As a community, Nigerians must ensure that these businesses not only survive but thrive, and the Nimbus Aid Project exemplifies our shared commitment to this responsibility. It is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together to uplift and empower one another,” he added.
Uche Uzoebo, Chief Stakeholder Engagement Officer of SANEF Nigeria, in her keynote address, underscored the profound connection between building sustainable and inclusive business ecosystems and societal impact. She explained how the business landscape can catalyse positive change, emphasising the broader implications of fostering an environment that supports women-led businesses.
Also speaking, Dr Bunmi-Kole Dawodu, Lagos State Manager of SMEDAN, highlighted an essential point from a McKinsey report stating that if women participated in the economy at the same rate as men, the global GDP could increase by up to 26%.
“To support and further advance women-led businesses, public policies should aim to create gender-sensitive policies and programs, ensure access to finance, resources, and networks, foster a supportive business environment that encourages entrepreneurship, and empower women entrepreneurs through training, education, and mentorship.” He added.
Another speaker, Cikü Mugambi, CEO of Kobo 360, delivered an inspiring keynote speech, emphasising the transformative power of businesses in driving societal change and positive impact. Her words underscored the link between business success and making a difference in African communities.
In closing, Edward Israel-Ayide, Founder of Carpe Diem Solutions, expressed his gratitude to partners and sponsors such as FBNQuest, Guinness Nigeria, Marketing Edge, Endeavor Nigeria, SMEDAN, LSETF, NewsCentral TV, Atmosphere Wifi and TechCabal, who played pivotal roles in bringing the Nimbus Aid Project 2023 to life.
The Nimbus Aid Project, established in 2016, has a track record of fostering positive change. With a history of supporting 13 organisations, 11 of which were women-led, it has provided 35 million Naira worth of Digital Out-Of-Home (DOOH) advertising, generating over 2.8 million unique views to beneficiaries in key Nigerian cities.
In 2023, the Nimbus Aid Project renewed its commitment to gender equality and economic growth by offering over N40 million worth of advertising on Nimbus screens to 20 selected women-led businesses. This opportunity promises to enhance their visibility, connect them with new customers, and accelerate their growth.
