The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Kano State Chapter, has pledged to support women online vendors with interest-free loans, office accommodation and capacity-building programmes aimed at improving their businesses.
The Chairman of the forum, Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, made the pledge while receiving the leadership of the Women Online Vendors Association during a courtesy visit to the ACF headquarters in Kano.
Dr. Umar disclosed that the forum would provide soft, interest-free loans to eligible members of the association, alongside entrepreneurship training to strengthen their business and management skills. He said the initiative was part of ACF’s commitment to empowering women and promoting economic self-reliance.
He further directed the leadership of the association to liaise with the forum’s Legal Adviser, Hajiya Salma Danbappa, and Assistant Auditor, Hajiya Fatima Ado Bayero, to identify areas of collaboration and modalities for effective support.
Earlier, the leader of the Women Online Vendors Association, Hajiya Umma Uba Adamu, said the visit was to solicit ACF’s support in enhancing the capacity and growth of women-owned online businesses in the state.
She explained that the association currently offers virtual training for women entrepreneurs and focuses on empowering members through skills acquisition and capacity development.
According to her, the association is seeking support not only in terms of capital but also training opportunities, particularly for uneducated women who require practical skills to improve their livelihoods.
Hajiya Umma Uba Adamu also appealed to ACF for guidance and assistance in accessing government interventions and other empowerment programmes. In addition, she requested office accommodation for members of the association to facilitate business transactions and coordination.
She commended the forum for its commitment to women empowerment and expressed optimism that the partnership would significantly improve the economic prospects of women online vendors in Kano State.
