The Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Lammy, has commended the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian government and private foundations in supporting female entrepreneurship across Nigeria.
Speaking at a high-level ministerial Fireside conversation themed “SheThrives: Advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment” in the United Kingdom, on the margins of the state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lammy highlighted the strategic role of women in economic growth, noting: “You can only really build sustained economic development if you are empowering women at the same time.”
The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged the initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, implemented through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, lauding the “She Thrives” initiative with Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.
“She Thrives partnership between your ministry and Cherie Blair foundation will make a real difference for entrepreneurs across Nigeria, combining the foundation’s proven programs with the ministry’s leadership… to empower 10 million women over three years and to build a $1 trillion economy,” Lammy said.
“Growth is the core mission of the UK government, and it underpins our relationship with Nigeria. I am deeply proud that the cultural and commercial bonds between our nations are thriving and that both our businesses and people are feeling the benefits of that.” Lammy added
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said:
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the historic declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development, we are deliberately positioning women at the centre of Nigeria’s economic transformation. SheThrives is a key vehicle for delivering that vision, connecting women to skills, markets, finance, and opportunity at scale.”
Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, speaking, expressed her support for the initiative: “She’s doing a very wonderful work back home, and we’re very proud of her. For all the partners, we will work on this together today.” Her comments emphasised the critical role of national institutions in translating partnerships into tangible benefits for Nigerian women.
The Osahon Okunbo Foundation also announced a strategic collaboration with She Thrives to support women-led businesses in Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
Foundation founder Osahon Okunbo stated: “If we are serious about the future of the creative sector, then we must also be serious about the women helping to build it and to shape it… through this collaboration, we will strengthen the systems, the networks, and the opportunities that allow all women not only to participate but to grow within it.”
Also, Denise Scott-McDonald of Labour African Network said:
” At the Labour African Network, we believe women’s economic empowerment is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic strategy. Through partnerships like SheThrives, we are moving from aspiration to action: unlocking access to finance, skills, markets and networks so that women are not just invited to the table, but have a seat, a voice, and a stake in Africa’s future prosperity. “
Similarly, Denise Scott-McDonald of Labour African Network said:
” At the Labour African Network, we believe women’s economic empowerment is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic strategy. Through partnerships like SheThrives, we are moving from aspiration to action: unlocking access to finance, skills, markets and networks so that women are not just invited to the table, but have a seat, a voice, and a stake in Africa’s future prosperity. “
Managing Director of Loyz Group, Basses Adie, highlighted the symbolic and strategic significance of Nigeria’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Family and Social Development: “When families are strengthened, our economies are stabilised… empowerment is not telling women that we should do more; it’s about creating systems that allow us to participate, to compete, and to scale.”
The event, attended by dignitaries including Lord Collins and representatives of the Labour African Network, underscored the importance of diplomacy, public-private collaboration, and policy frameworks in transforming the economic and social landscape for Nigerian women.
SheThrives is a bold national initiative jointly led by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA) and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women (CBFW), created to accelerate women’s entrepreneurship and drive inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.
Stakeholders at the event organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in partnership with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and other partners, say these efforts create a coordinated, sustainable model where empowered women drive innovation, economic growth, and societal transformation across Nigeria.