The Pink Fleur Foundation has spotlighted women’s financial literacy as a cornerstone for unlocking Nigeria’s economic growth, urging a nationwide shift in how women approach money, business, and wealth creation.
At its recently concluded “Money Reset 2025” workshop held in Abuja, the foundation’s founder, Zainab Salihijo, delivered a passionate call to action for Nigerian women to embrace financial independence and entrepreneurial thinking.
Speaking on the theme, “Build Wealth with Strategy, Ease, and Barakah,” Salihijo emphasized that women, when equipped with the right financial knowledge, can be a game-changer in Nigeria’s economic future.
Citing global research, she pointed out that women exhibit higher loan repayment rates despite facing limited access to formal credit.
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Salihijo noted that many women are hesitant to think big financially and often underestimate their potential. She challenged this mindset, stating that women must see themselves as capable of achieving the same heights as major industrialists like Aliko Dangote.
“If more women handle money in Nigeria, the country will be better off. The problem is not money. It is knowledge. If you give women the tools, they will surprise you. They pay back loans more consistently, yet they are the ones with the least access.
“I started my business with my NYSC allowance, so I know what it means to start small. I always say, if you want to learn something, teach it. I realised from ‘My Money Series’ on Instagram that many women are afraid of money talk. That needs to change.
“Men think big. Women, not so much. We need to flip that script. Nigerian women must start seeing themselves as future billionaires too. We can be the Dangotes. We just have to start.”
To extend the workshop’s impact, Pink Fleur founder announced plans to offer year-long mentorship sessions to guide participants in creating business plans and developing strategies for global market access. This hands-on support is aimed at converting ideas into sustainable ventures, regardless of the woman’s financial starting point.
Renowned Islamic scholar and Director of Research & Training at the Da’wah Institute, Sheikh Muhammad Nurudeen Lemu, delivered the keynote address titled “Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 5 Pillars of Prosperity.”
He stressed that success in business isn’t just about skills, but about cultivating the right mindset. He identified earning, saving, investing, spending wisely, and continuous self-investment as the key pillars of financial success.
“It’s not enough to know how to fish. You must think like a fisherman. “Skills alone won’t take you far. Your mindset is what determines your destiny in business.
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“Start small, grow organically. Avoid unnecessary loans unless they’re investment-based. If your friends and family trust you, don’t 419 them. They are your social insurance,” he cautioned.
He also noted that the realities of Nigeria’s economy are making it increasingly difficult for households to survive on a single income. He encouraged more collaboration between spouses in managing family finances, especially as school fees and daily living costs continue to rise.
Another prominent speaker, Farida Yahya, founder of The Brief Academy, reiterated that, Nigerian women often shy away from conversations around money, which limits their ability to serve as strong economic pillars.
She applauded the workshop for creating a safe space for reflection and financial reorientation, adding that when women are empowered financially, they not only lift themselves but also uplift families and communities. She urged women to see wealth creation as an avenue to give back and help build a stronger nation.
Representing Jaiz Bank, Hadiza Abdulrahman restated the bank’s dedication to promoting financial inclusion for women. She highlighted Jaiz’s tailored products for women entrepreneurs and emphasized the importance of ethical, interest-free banking in today’s economic climate.
Abdulrahman encouraged women to take advantage of the bank’s support structures to scale their businesses and improve their financial literacy.
Financial expert Dahiru Adamu rounded off the conversation by stressing the importance of business ethics in Nigeria’s private sector.
He warned against dishonest practices such as inconsistent pricing and misleading product advertisements, which erode consumer trust. He called on entrepreneurs to honor contracts, ensure fair employee treatment, and prioritize the long-term social impact of their business decisions.
Adamu noted that fostering a culture of integrity is essential to reforming the corrupt business norms that hinder economic progress.