In a significant boost to grassroots economic empowerment and digital inclusion, the Electronic Moni-Mata (EMMA) Project successfully hosted its latest initiative on March 4, 2026, in Okada Town, drawing praise from academic and community leaders alike.
The EMMA Project is a collaborative effort between Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) in the United Kingdom and Igbinedion University Okada (IUO) in Edo State, Nigeria. Focused on peer mentoring among women traders, the program seeks to bridge the digital divide by equipping rural women—particularly traders and farmers—with essential tools and knowledge for business growth in an increasingly connected economy.
Over 60 rural women traders and farmers participated in the event, engaging in interactive sessions designed to foster peer-to-peer mentoring, enhance financial and digital literacy, and promote sustainable economic practices. A highlight of the day was a transparent balloting system through which several lucky participants received smartphones. These devices are intended to improve business connectivity, enable access to online markets, digital payments, and broader networking opportunities—key factors in modernizing informal trade sectors in Nigeria’s rural areas.
The event received distinguished support from Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada. Prof. Ezemonye, a renowned Professor of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Forensics who has led IUO since 2018, attended in person, lending prestige and underscoring the university’s dedication to community-academic partnerships.
In a statement released on behalf of the EMMA Project team, Dr. P.L. Ozor (PhD) expressed profound gratitude to the Vice Chancellor: “On behalf of the EMMA (Electronic Moni-Mata) Project team, we thank our Vice Chancellor, Prof Lawrence Ezemonye, for attending the recently hosted event in Okada Town. Your support and engagement greatly enriched the program and inspired all who attended.”
The statement further highlighted Prof. Ezemonye’s longstanding commitment to advancing opportunities for women and strengthening ties between academia and local communities: “The Vice Chancellor’s commitment to advancing opportunities for women and fostering academic-community partnerships is deeply appreciated. His presence not only lent prestige to the occasion but also reinforced the importance of empowering rural women traders for sustainable development.”
The EMMA initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote gender-inclusive development in Nigeria, building on prior collaborations involving IUO, LJMU, and entities such as the Edo State Government’s Ministry of Digital Economy, Science and Technology (MDEST). Previous phases have emphasized training in digital financial services, targeting women and minority groups to foster financial independence.
The successful turnout and tangible outcomes—such as smartphone distribution—demonstrate growing momentum for initiatives that combine international expertise with local implementation to drive inclusive growth. As Nigeria continues to prioritize digital transformation and women’s economic participation, programs like EMMA serve as models for scalable, community-centered interventions.
