"Discriminatory gender stereotypes and lack of capital are strangling female entrepreneurship in Nigeria," declares Dr. Chiji Ojukwu, MD of the APDC Group, at the AGRA International Women's Day event, which held on 8th March, 2024, themed "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress." While the event focused on women in agriculture, Dr. Chiji Ojukwu's message resonated broadly, highlighting a critical barrier to economic empowerment for young Nigerians and women in general.

A staggering 35% of women in Nigeria face unemployment, a crisis Dr. Chiji directly linked to discriminatory gender practices & limited access to funding. Traditional commercial banks, he argued, fail to adequately serve these demographics, hindering their ability to pursue entrepreneurial ventures & address critical needs.

Dr. Chiji proposed a unique solution: the creation of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) specifically designed to empower young Nigerians & women. These SPVs would act as financial bridges, channelling funds directly to these groups with subsidized interest rates. This vital support would enable them to turn their ideas into thriving businesses & unlock their full economic potential.

The Centre is a strong advocate for financial inclusion, recognizing its transformative power for individuals and communities. SPVs, as envisioned by Dr. Chiji, aligns perfectly with this mission. By providing access to capital & mentorship, these vehicles can empower a new generation of entrepreneurs to drive innovation and economic growth across Nigeria.

Dr. Chiji further emphasized the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. He challenged the notion that agriculture is exclusive to rural areas. Urban settings, he argued, can embrace climate-friendly practices through innovative urban farming techniques. This approach offers a multitude of benefits:
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Less reliance on long-distance transportation of farm produce
from rural areas translates to lower carbon emissions and fossil fuel burning.
• Urban dwellers gain direct access to fresh, locally-grown food, fostering healthier communities.
• Eco-Smart and Sustainable Farming: Innovative techniques can increase production in less space and time, minimizing environmental impact while promoting a more sustainable future.

By promoting financial inclusion for women and youths through SPVs, Nigeria can unlock a wealth of talent and fuel economic growth in both rural and urban agriculture. These empowered individuals can become drivers of innovation in sustainable practices, leading to a more prosperous, gender inclusive, and environmentally conscious future for Nigeria.

The Centre extends our gratitude to AGRA for inviting Dr. Chiji and our team to participate in this important event. We believe events like AGRA's hashtag#internationalwomensday2024 & Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards are crucial for fostering dialogue & solutions, aligning perfectly with our mission of contributing to Africa's development.