Asha Microfinance Bank celebrated International Women's Day with initiatives to support women-led businesses on March 9, 2026 at Mushin Market, Lagos.
The bank announced actress and producer Jai Kuti as its brand ambassador and organized a free medical outreach for traders and residents in line with its focus on financial inclusion and community development.
CEO of Asha Microfinance Bank, Funmilola Paseda-Oladoyinbo, stressed the economic importance of women in market communities. “Women are at the center of economic development, especially within market communities.
At Asha, we believe that empowering women entrepreneurs strengthens families, businesses, and the broader economy. This celebration is our way of honoring their resilience and supporting their growth,” she said.
The event was attended by market leaders, traders and members of the business community. It was hosted by Baba Oja, Alhaji Bolaji Awoyemi of Mushin Market and Iyeloja, Alhaja Sodik Borokini of Mushin Market. Mushin Market, one of the largest trading centers in Lagos, is home to a large number of women-led businesses, making it a strategic location for the Bank's access.
Kuti, who has starred in productions including Sacred, Ani Agbelebu, and Jeola Ni Mo Nje, was officially introduced as the brand ambassador of Asha Bank. The appointment is part of the bank's strategy to engage more deeply with entrepreneurs, especially women, and promote access to financial products such as micro loans, savings accounts and advisory services.
In line with this year's International Women's Day theme, “Give to Gain”, the Bank organized a free medical outreach to traders and residents, providing basic health services and highlighting ASHA's holistic approach to community development.
Kuti directly contacted traders in the market and encouraged them to avail of the bank's services to expand their businesses. “I am delighted to support these hard-working women and see how financial services can help them scale their operations,” she said.
Microfinance banks like ASHA play an important role in Nigeria's informal economy, providing small-scale credit and savings services that traditional banks often cannot access. Interventions targeted at women traders can have significant multiplier effects, increasing household incomes, creating jobs and accelerating local economic growth.
Observers say women-led enterprises are the backbone of market communities in Lagos, and initiatives that improve access to capital, financial literacy and advisory support are critical to economic inclusion. The Celebration of Hope at Mushin Market demonstrates how microfinance institutions can combine financial services with community participation to strengthen women entrepreneurs.
Through such events, Asha Microfinance Bank seeks to strengthen its commitment to responsible financial services, community development and inclusive growth, thereby positioning itself as a key player in supporting women's economic participation in local markets across Nigeria.
