A Non-Governmental Organisation, Adeola Azeez Community Care Foundation (AACCF), in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Neighbours Shop, has empowered 50 women with solar-powered smart retail kiosks.
The founder of AACCF, Mrs Adeola Azeez, disclosed this on Thursday during the inauguration and handing over of the solar-powered kiosks in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Ogun.
Azeez said 35 women in Ijebu-Ode benefitted from the initiative, while 15 other beneficiaries were captured from Ikorodu Local Government Area in Lagos.
She added that each kiosk had been stocked with items to sell, including a solar-powered freezer and a digital tablet.
She said the launch of the solar-powered kiosk empowerment project was about unveiling opportunities for growth, transformation, empowerment and sustainability.
According to her, the foundation seeks to empower women, children and youth to reach their full potential through initiatives that drive collective prosperity.
“Our project aligns with our unwavering commitment to drive financial independence and support community development.
“Today, we are taking a giant step towards achieving one of our goals of empowering women and transforming communities in the micro-retail business sector by confronting the challenges of informal hurdles, financial exclusion, energy deficiency and safety concerns.
“This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration,” she said.
Azeez appreciated BOI for supporting the vision and for being the beacon of inclusion and empowerment.
“It is with great joy that I acknowledge and celebrate our exceptional partner, the Bank of Industry, whose generous grant transformed a good idea into a life-changing reality,” she said.
She said the women selected for the phase of the programme were trained by Neighbours Shop, the idea initiator.
The Managing Director of BoI, Mr Olasupo Olusi, said the project testified to the bank’s shared commitment to creating opportunities and enabling women to take their rightful place as economic growth drivers.
Olusi was represented by Mr John Akinde, an official of the bank.
Olusi said BOI recognised that women constitute more than half of the population and were vital contributors to the economy of the household, community and the nation at large.
“The solar part feature of this course also aligns with our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
“By leveraging renewable energy, we are not only reducing the environmental footprint of this project but also ensuring that women in even the most remote areas can access consistent and affordable power to support their businesses.
“This is a step towards addressing the energy challenges that have historically constrained productivity in many rural and semi-urban areas,” Olusi said.
The founder of Neighbours Shop, Muyideen Sanwo-Ola, explained that beneficiaries would be paid weekly by a profit-sharing formula as designed by the system.
“For example, a bottle of coke bought for N80 and sold for N100 gives a profit margin of N20, which, with the algorithm in the system, gives the associate (beneficiary) 60 per cent of the profit and us, 40 per cent.
“The system keeps on adding profits on all transactions. So, they can see their profits on their tablets – how much they make for the day and for the week,” he said.
Sanwo-Ola noted that each kiosk is being monitored online to ensure the empowerment did not end up like other political empowerment programmes.
He says goods sold daily will be restocked the following day by a route manager, who supplies goods to all the kiosks.
According to him, any beneficiary who fails to abide by the laid-down guidelines will have her kiosk reallocated to another person.
“However, those who manage their kiosks successfully and diligently will become full owners of the kiosks after three years,” he said.
He disclosed that BOI supported the project with a grant of N97 million.
The wife of the Ogun governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, represented by Mrs Bolanle Oduyale, said the state government remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development.
“We have championed education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship for women, ensuring they are equipped to lead and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mrs Olamide Babalola, appreciated AACCF, BOI and Neighbours Shop for the kind gesture.
She promised they would make judicious use of the kiosks.
