By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – A nonprofit organization, Iye Women’s Network, has reassured commitment to deepen women’s empowerment and development.

The Network gave the assurance recently at it’s recently held its 2026 gathering in Idah, Kogi State as an initiative of the Makoji Kelvin Ibrahim Foundation, MKIF, where the Founder, MKIF, Makoji Kelvin Ibrahim explained that the essence of the Network being created was to give women a sense of belonging and a space to express themselves with the skills, talents and share their knowledge with others, and also to receive support as empowerment.

Meanwhile, it will be recalled that the Network was unveiled in 2025, whose mission is basically to strengthen community bonds, reach out and also expand useful opportunities, and give sustainable support to women who are drivers of societal progress, peace, unity and development.

During its inaugural retreat in 2025, the Network held sessions on critical issues including wellness, entrepreneurship, and leadership, which add in attendance guest speakers who joined virtually from Nigeria, the United States of America, USA, and United Kingdom, UK.

Meanwhile, the Foundatio gave grants to start-ups to the tune of ₦650,000 in startup grants to women’s groups. One year on, Ibrahim said the impact is visible, with one group reporting over 50% profit on the capital received.

The Iye Women’s Network said it will scale up programmes in the coming year to reach more women across Idah and deepen its work in empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community building.

He said: “Women carry the weight of nurturing families, raising leaders, and managing the home front, often at the expense of their own ambitions. This platform is to ensure they are inspired, equipped, and supported to thrive.”

For 2026, the MKIF boss announced plans to increase capital support for new members and to sponsor monthly programmes including training, health talks, and fitness sessions.

“We will keep building this community. Continue building friendships, connections, and opportunities”, he added.

Meanwhile, a new committee was inaugurated with Binta Enape retaining her position as President, and Mrs. Aladi Shaibu was elected Vice President while Salamatu Audu Akpa was elected Secretary, and among others.

Enape while presenting her report noted that the membership of the Network has grown significantly across Idah and called for expansion to accommodate more women as she appreciated the Founder for his support given to the women through the Network with the business capital, which has immensely and positively added value to the businesses of the members.

In their remarks, Mrs. Margaret Amoke and Mrs. Ileigo Hamed commended the Network for its uniting women, inspiring them and for the progress and performance recorded by member groups.

They also commended praised Enape’s leadership and teamwork, which members have been given a sense of belonging, and also urged her to do more in addressing challenges women contend with in their businesses.

The patrons called in the women to be smart and be deeply involved in the initiative’s activities as part of their commitment, saying, “This gathering should be about rubbing minds together and supporting one another.”