Nigeria’s foremost bank, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has stated that it has introduced different initiatives to drive financial inclusion among women in the country.

The bank also disclosed plans to drag women from different sectors to its upcoming second anniversary of the launch of FirstGem, a lifestyle product designed specifically for women to promote female independence and entrepreneurship.

Speaking further, the bank’s Group Head, Products and Marketing Support, Mr Abiodun Famuyiwa, said; “We recognise that promoting female entrepreneurship and independence is key to economic development and building the economic viability of every home in the country.”

“FirstGem is a deliberate strategy by the bank to drive financial inclusion and all-round development of women through gender-advancement programmes wrapped around savings culture, financial literacy, loan management and building investment portfolio.”

“Since the launch of FirstGem in October 2016, a series of female empowerment initiatives, trainings and seminars has been organised across the country and in the UK to harness and financially mobilise the growing percentage of women in the country while empowering them through the nuggets of financial independence.”

“The empowerment sessions include the Oyo State Women Empowerment Programme, the Southern States Governors Wives’ Forum, Benue State Women Empowerment Programme, the Mentoring Women to Posterity meeting in Enugu State, the OAU International Law Students Women Conference, and the FirstGem in the UK.”