Microfinance Bank To Train Women Recovering From Drug Abuse

A microfinance bank has kicked off a project to rehabilitate women battling substance dependency through structured recovery and skills development programmes.

To achieve the goal the bank, Baobab Microfinance Bank, has launched a specialised female rehabilitation and reintegration centre known as Deborah’s Haven.

In a press statement issued by the bank, it said the initiative is designed to provide a pathway from recovery to economic independence.

According to Baobab, Deborah’s Haven will address the growing challenge of substance dependency among women, particularly those who face stigma and limited access to professional care.

The centre, which will be managed in partnership with Compassionate Care Recovery Initiative, will enable the beneficiaries to undergo psychosocial rehabilitation while acquiring practical skills to rebuild their lives.

At the commissioning of the centre in Lagos, a member of the board of Baobab Microfinance Bank, Eneni Oduwole, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to its “Triple P” philosophy—People, Planet and Profit—emphasising that inclusive development must prioritise human dignity and second chances.

“Everyone deserves a second chance. Deborah’s Haven is not just a facility; it is a reflection of our belief in restoring hope and creating opportunities for those at vulnerable points in their lives,” she said.

The programme integrates rehabilitation with empowerment, equipping participants with vocational and life skills that will enable them reintegrate into society and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

The chief executive officer of Baobab Microfinance Bank Nigeria, Eric Ntumba, noted that the initiative goes beyond social responsibility, describing it as an investment in long-term economic stability.

“When women are empowered, the impact extends beyond individuals to families and communities. Supporting recovery with skills development ensures that beneficiaries can rebuild sustainably and avoid relapse,” he stated.

Also, the chief executive officer of the Compassionate Care Recovery Initiative, Dokun Adedeji, commended the initiative, stressing that recovery must be supported with practical reintegration strategies.

“This collaboration allows us to move beyond care to capacity building. With the right support system, these women can rediscover their strength, gain independence and reclaim their place in society,” he said, adding that corporate involvement remains key to tackling substance abuse effectively.