AACCF Partners with BOI, Neighbours Shop to Launch Solar-Powered Kiosks for Women’s Economic Empowerment
Posted on December 13th, 2024
L-R: Professor Toyin Ashiru, Pro-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University; Mrs. Bolanle Alake Oduyale, Representative of the Ogun State First Lady; Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Founder of AACCF; Mr. Muyideen Sanwoola, Founder of Neighbours Shop; and Mr. John Akinde, Representative of the Bank of Industry, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Solar-Powered Smart Kiosk.
The Adeola Azeez Community Care Foundation (AACCF), in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Neighbours Shop, marked a major milestone on Thursday, November 28th, 2024, with the launch of an innovative solar-powered kiosk initiative in Ogun State. Held at Bishop Ayo Awosoga Hall in IjebuOde, the event brought together government officials, industry leaders, and community stakeholders, all united in a shared mission to empower women and foster economic sustainability.
Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Founder of AACCF, and Mr. John Akinde, Representative of the Bank of Industry, stand to applaud as beneficiaries pledge their commitment to successfully managing the Neighbours Shop kiosks, marking a moment of shared hope and determination for sustainable growth.
As the Chairman performs the ribbon-cutting for the Neighbours Shop, Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Founder of AACCF explaining the innovative features and functionality of the solar-powered kiosk, highlighting its role in empowering local entrepreneurs.
Distinguished guests included Her Excellency, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State, who was represented by Mrs. Bolanle Alake Oduyale. In her keynote address, Mrs. Abiodun emphasized the transformative nature of the project, describing it as “a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and progress.” Highlighting the vital role women play in driving economic growth, she commended AACCF for its unwavering commitment to sustainable development and praised BOI and Neighbours Shop for their strategic contributions. She pledged continued government support, urging stakeholders to deepen their engagement in creating opportunities for women across Nigeria.
A cross-section of beneficiaries enthusiastically chanting praise poetry and expressing profound gratitude to AACCF, the Bank of Industry, and Neighbours Shop for the transformative initiative.
Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Founder of AACCF, delivering her keynote speech, inspiring the audience with her vision for empowerment, sustainability, and community transformation through the Neighbours Shop initiative.
Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Founder of AACCF, underscored the initiative’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), describing the solar-powered kiosks as “more than just business hubs; they are platforms for innovation, sustainability, and empowerment.”
Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Founder of AACCF, and Mr. John Akinde, representing the Bank of Industry – Key leaders driving impactful change.
Each kiosk is equipped with renewable energy systems, digital inventory management tools, and refrigeration units, addressing key challenges in informal retail sectors. With support from BOI’s N97 million grant and operational expertise from Neighbours Shop, Mrs. Azeez outlined plans to consolidate the project’s success in Ogun State before expanding to other regions.
Distinguished dignitaries who graced the inauguration and handing over of Neighbor’s Shop and beneficiaries of the milestone event, marking a new chapter in community development and collaboration.
L-R: Mrs Bola Adesola, Ecobank Board Chairman; John Akinde, BOI representative, Mrs Adeola Azeez, AACCF Convener, and far right, Mr Muyideen Sanwo-Ola, Founder Neighbours Shop.
Innovation, Impact, and Sustainability
The solar-powered kiosks, celebrated as a beacon of innovation, were designed with sustainability and empowerment at their core. Mr. Muyideen Sanwoola, Founder of Neighbours Shop, detailed the program’s innovative profit-sharing model, where beneficiaries earn 60% of profits, with the remaining 40% reinvested into the project. Integrated technologies such as tablets for daily monitoring, insurance, and anti-theft systems ensure transparency and operational security. Beneficiaries who manage their kiosks successfully for three years will gain full ownership, fostering long-term commitment and economic stability.
Mr. Muyideen Sanwoola, Founder of Neighbours Shop delivering his keynote speech
Speaking at the event, Mr. John Akinde, representing BOI, highlighted the institution’s focus on gender equality, infrastructure, MSMEs, and sustainability. He emphasized that the solar-powered kiosks not only promote financial inclusion and entrepreneurship but also address energy challenges in underserved areas.
Mr. John Akinde, Representative of the Bank of Industry
He applauded AACCF and Neighbours Shop for their dedication to uplifting communities through innovative solutions and reiterated BOI’s commitment to empowering women as vital contributors to national economic growth.
Community and Leadership Support
The ceremony also saw heartfelt speeches from notable figures, including Prof. Toyin Ashiru, ProChancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Hon. Adeyemi Titi Julius, Vice Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government.
L-R: The Chairman of the occasion and Pro Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof Toyin Ashiru, Adeola Azeez, Founder of AACCF and traditional ruler.
Prof. Ashiru hailed the initiative as a model for sustainable development, urging governments and corporate entities to replicate similar programs across Nigeria. Hon. Adeyemi highlighted the project’s potential to provide digital opportunities for the youth and enhance community-driven development, pledging continued local government support for AACCF’s impactful initiatives.
Bank of Industry representative, John Akinde; Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Founder of AACCF; Chairman of the day, Prof Toyin Ashiru; Ogun State First Lady representative, Mrs. Bolanle Alake Oduyale; Hon. Adeyemi Titi Julius, Vice Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government.
The event concluded with the ceremonial handover of 35 solar-powered kiosks to women entrepreneurs, symbolizing a new chapter of empowerment and economic inclusion in Ogun State. This initiative stands as a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose, creating opportunities that uplift individuals and transform communities.
Demonstration of the operations of Neighbours Shop Kiosk by a beneficiary
A beneficiary, Olamide Victoria telling her Neighbours Shop Story
