Government Must Prioritise Grassroots Women to Achieve $1 Trillion Economy — Asha MFB Bank MD

The Managing Director of Asha Microfinance Bank, Mrs. Funmilola Paseda Oladoyinmbo, has called on the Federal Government to make women’s economic inclusion at the grassroots a central pillar in its drive to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Mrs. Oladoyinmbo made the remark during the celebration of her first anniversary in office as the first female Managing Director of Asha Microfinance Bank, where she highlighted the critical role of women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in driving sustainable economic growth.

According to her, the government’s ambitious target of building a trillion-dollar economy can only be achieved if policies and initiatives are deliberately designed to empower women entrepreneurs, especially those operating in rural and underserved communities.

“If the government is serious about hitting the $1 trillion economy target by 2030, then the MSME sector particularly women-led enterprises must receive the attention it deserves,” she said. “At Asha, we have seen first-hand how empowering grassroots women through financial literacy and access to credit transforms families, builds communities, and strengthens the nation’s economy.”

Mrs. Oladoyinmbo explained that Asha Microfinance Bank has continued to focus on financial inclusion and grassroots empowerment, with branches established in areas where access to formal banking remains limited.

“We operate in remote locations where there are no banks, providing essential financial services to women who are often excluded from the formal financial system,” she noted. “Many of our clients started with small loans of ₦20,000 and have grown into thriving business owners now managing facilities of up to ₦1 million.”

She further stated that technology remains a key enabler for financial inclusion and that Asha Microfinance Bank intends to leverage digital tools to reach more women at the grassroots in the coming years.

Speaking on women in leadership, Mrs. Oladoyinmbo urged women to pursue knowledge and excellence as they position themselves for opportunities in corporate and entrepreneurial spaces.

“We must equip ourselves with the right qualifications and competence,” she said. “Promoting women in leadership should not be at the expense of excellence. Women must prepare themselves to lead and to lead well.”

Mrs. Oladoyinmbo reaffirmed Asha Microfinance Bank’s commitment to expanding its footprint, deepening financial inclusion, and continuing to support women across Nigeria to achieve financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.