How Adamawa Rural Women Saved N53m Through Our Initiative – Foundation

Women-focused savings and loan initiative driven by Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, in partnership with Roshan Renewables, has enabled rural women in Adamawa State to save over N53 million.

The achievement was announced during the close-out ceremony of the two-year programme held in Toungo, Toungo Local Government Area of the state, yesterday.

Deputy Project Manager of ANI Foundation, Dr. David Peter, said the scheme began in 2023 to empower women in communities around the Gashaka Gumti National Park and reduce their dependence on activities linked to environmental degradation.

“We invited Roshan Renewables to help establish the savings and loan groups to ensure that our women become financially independent,” he said. “Over 450 women have recorded more than N53 million in savings, and one group of 30 women saved over N5 million.”

Peter noted that the culture of weekly savings has enabled beneficiaries to start businesses, purchase land, support their families and even sponsor children up to university level.

Roshan State Coordinator, Happy Amos, praised the dedication of the women and urged them to sustain the programme beyond its official end.

“When we began, many of the women had no source of income,” she said. “Today, children are in school, businesses have been established, and some women are now landowners. This project has transformed lives.”

Beneficiaries also shared their experiences. Hannatu Jacob said the programme had made many women financially independent and able to contribute meaningfully to their households and communities. Another participant, Hauwa Bala, appealed to other organisations to support similar initiatives to strengthen financial inclusion for women in the state.

For Joy Emmanuel, the project revealed the entrepreneurial abilities many women did not realise they had. She expressed hope that the momentum built over the two years would continue.

The ceremony also featured award presentations to outstanding participants in the savings and loan groups.