Shalimar Abbiusi Commits N15 Million to Support Women Entrepreneurs in Edo State

• Shalimar Abbiusi funds N15 million initiative to boost women’s economic participation in Edo State
• The funding is channelled to scale rural enterprises by supporting 150 rural women via the I Am Human Foundation
• The foundation drives grassroots resilience by funding women’s enterprises growth and income generation

Shalimar Abbiusi, Belgian philanthropist has recently made a N15 million investment through her NGO, the I Am Human Foundation. Recognizing the critical role of women in driving local economies, the initiative supports 150 rural women by equipping them with business capital and development tools aimed at expanding micro-enterprises and improving financial independence.

Times with Shalimar’s birthday, the program reflects a philanthropic model where personal milestones are converted into opportunities for high-impact social investment. By providing women with direct financial input, the foundation supports sustainable enterprises growth, income generation, and resilience at the grassroots level. The funding serves as a strategic step toward narrowing economic disparity and strengthen community-level resilience.

She said: “Empowerment is not a gift; it is a right,” Abbiusi told the crowd of women gathered in Auchi. “As women, we are the backbone of society. We wake up first, run our homes, and still find time to do business. It’s time we empower ourselves.”

Shalimar highlighted her long-term commitment to creating enabling environments for women in rural Nigeria. She underscored that sustainable change begins with access to capital, markets, education, and community support. Through her leadership and targeted interventions, she seeks to cultivate a generation of women entrepreneurs who can uplift both their households and local economies with resilience and dignity.

Held with the support of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the event demonstrated how political and philanthropic leadership can coverage to accelerate economic empowerment. The senator praised the initiative and expressed his ongoing commitment to supporting future empowerment programs in the region.