The Alternative Bank and Utiva have partnered to launch Women-in-Tech Scholarship for Digital Empowerment.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that in a bold move to advance gender inclusion and digital empowerment, The Alternative Bank (AltBank) has launched the AltBank–Utiva Women in Tech Scholarship, an initiative aimed at equipping women entrepreneurs with essential digital, innovation, and business growth skills.
The announcement was made during a virtual conference on Friday marking the International Day for Rural Women, bringing together policymakers, thought leaders, and development experts to discuss strategies for empowering women in rural and underserved communities.
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Set to commence in November 2025, the scholarship forms part of The Alternative Bank’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy to bridge gender and digital divides while helping women scale their businesses and participate more actively in the evolving digital economy.
Speaking during the launch, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Executive Director (South) at The Alternative Bank, described the initiative as both “symbolic and strategic.”
“Women are the heartbeat of food systems, the lifeline of families, and the silent architects of community resilience,” she said. “Empowering rural women is not just a moral duty but also a smart economic strategy. Our doors remain open to co-create sustainable solutions that empower women and strengthen communities.”
Utiva CEO, Eyitayo Ogunmola, emphasized that the collaboration represents more than just a scholarship—it’s a pathway to digital inclusion and economic transformation.
“When women are equipped with the right digital skills, they don’t just grow their businesses—they uplift entire communities,” Ogunmola said.
Themed “Rural Women and MSMEs: Driving Sustainability, Strengthening Economies, Securing Our Shared Tomorrow,” the event aligned with the United Nations’ International Day for Rural Women, spotlighting the crucial role of women in agricultural and local economies.
Hon. Gift Johnbull, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to empowering women in agrarian communities.
“Women make up over 70% of Nigeria’s food system, yet face barriers to education, finance, and digital access. Government remains committed to removing these barriers completely,” she affirmed.
Osalobo Osemhenjie, Programme Specialist at UN Women, called for collective action to ensure inclusive growth:
“We must invest in rural women’s leadership, expand access to finance, foster digital skills, and mentor young women if we are to achieve a sustainable and equitable future.”
Other notable participants included Hajia Fatima Dikko Radda, Wife of the Katsina State Governor; Mrs. Ellen T. Johnson, Country Head of Commonwealth Businesswomen Africa (Gambia); Judith Libaisi Kayoni, Global Rural Development Expert (Kenya); and Ameena Buhari-Mohammed, Private Banking & Wealth Management Lead at The Alternative Bank.
The launch of the AltBank–Utiva Women in Tech Scholarship reinforces The Alternative Bank’s mission to promote ethical, inclusive, and sustainable finance, empowering women to thrive in the digital economy while driving long-term social and economic resilience across Nigeria.
