Shettima empowerment fund aims to unlock the potential of Nigerian women, youths and children through inclusive finance and skills support

Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to inaugurate a new learning fund and empowerment platform designed to unlock the potential of Nigerian children, women and youths, marking a significant step in the Shettima empowerment fund drive.

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The inauguration is scheduled for Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

According to the statement, the initiative is being convened by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations System and other ASIS partners.

It will form part of the outcomes of the Africa Social Impact Summit 2026 High Level Policy Engagement.

Nkwocha explained that the event would also feature the launch of the Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion Nigeria platform, described as the country’s flagship framework for advancing economic empowerment through compact based delivery, co investment structures and strong performance accountability.

He said the initiative would position Nigeria as the implementation hub of the African Union’s Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion programme, with plans to replicate the platform in other African countries after Nigeria.

Speaking ahead of the engagement, Shettima said Nigeria was well positioned for a prosperity filled future through sustained and effective mobilisation of funding, expertise and institutional support, both locally and internationally.

“Nigeria’s future prosperity depends on how effectively we mobilise the private sector, development partners and public institutions around shared national priorities,” the Vice President said.

He described the initiative as a decisive moment, adding that the Shettima empowerment fund reflects a delivery focused approach aimed at unlocking the full potential of women and youths, strengthening human capital and accelerating inclusive growth.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs Olapeju Ibekwe, said the ASIS 2026 High Level Policy Engagement represents a pivotal shift from dialogue to national execution.

According to her, the meeting will deliberately align policy, innovation, financing and implementation frameworks to ensure scalable solutions that deliver tangible impact for millions of Nigerians.

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Ibekwe added that the initiative would not only support inclusive development at home but also position Nigeria as a continental leader in Africa’s sustainable growth agenda.