Nigeria has taken a major step toward inclusive development with the launch of the 5 Million Women Database Initiative in Abuja, designed to empower women through data, technology, and targeted policy interventions. The initiative, led by the Dr Ejike Oji Community Development Foundation in collaboration with the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), aims to gather comprehensive data on five million women across the country to shape programmes in health, education, and economic empowerment.
At the launch, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, described the initiative as “a symbol of hope and progress” and stressed its importance in addressing gender gaps. He noted that the platform would act as “a nexus for resources, opportunities, and support networks designed to empower women to overcome barriers and reach their full potential.” Emphasising the significance of digital inclusion and innovation, he said, “data is the new oil,” highlighting that evidence-based policies rely on accurate and reliable information.
Convener of the initiative, Dr Ejike Oji, called the launch “a transformative step toward harnessing data for empowerment.” He explained that the digital platform will offer real-time access to critical information related to women’s health, economic opportunities, and legal rights. “This tool will not only inform policy but also drive real change from the bustling streets of Lagos to rural villages across Nigeria,” he said. He further outlined six key values guiding the project: integrity, innovation, collaboration, excellence, empathy, and sustainability. According to him, these values are essential for ensuring long-term impact and national reach. “This is not just about collecting data; it’s about transforming it into actionable knowledge,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Catherine Chinedum Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director of the Ford Foundation Office for West Africa, praised the initiative as “a revolution in how we see, engage with, and empower women.” She explained that the platform was established through a strategic partnership aimed at closing Nigeria’s persistent data gap, particularly for women in rural and marginalised communities. She noted that the database would integrate sectors such as health, business, and education, offering tools including AI Medic for low-cost telemedicine, MyDiner and E-Commerce Hub for entrepreneurship, and micro-loan opportunities to support women-led businesses.
Aniagolu-Okoye urged stakeholders to ensure transparency and ethical use of the data. She said, “when five million women are connected, educated, and economically active, the ripple effect will transform Nigeria.” She pointed out that technology and accurate information will be crucial in designing scalable interventions that promote financial inclusion and digital literacy.
In her goodwill message, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, commended the initiative, calling it “evidence for action.” She stated that reliable data is essential for advancing the government’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda, enabling more responsive programmes in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health. “This will expose the real challenges women face and bridge the gaps in policy and action,” Dr Salma said. She stressed that sustainable national development is not achievable without women as equal partners in progress.
The event attracted representatives from the National Assembly, civil society organisations, international development partners, and women’s advocacy groups. Stakeholders agreed that the database will support informed policymaking and enhance access to healthcare, finance, and education for millions of women.