Octoville Development Company

06/10/2026

Last week, we welcomed our participants into the British Council Nigeria-funded Inclusive Economic Empowerment (IEE) Pathways Programme Abuja.

Tomorrow, they take the next step as classes officially begin.

Over the coming weeks, participants will build foundational skills, explore new ideas, ask questions, test what they know and learn from one another.

It will be a journey of learning, growth and possibility, and we’re excited to see where it leads.

Follow us as the IEE journey unfolds.

02/10/2026

We’re hiring!

We are in search of an experienced Chief Logistics Manager to lead logistics and export operations for a client in the agro-commodity sector.

If you have the experience to drive efficient, reliable export operations, this opportunity could be for you.

Location: Abuja
Deadline: 11 October 2026

Send your CV to [email protected] with the subject "Chief Logistics Manager".

See the full vacancy details in the flyer below.

01/10/2026

What does Nigeria’s average labour productivity actually look like?

Participants at the British Council Nigeria-funded IEE Pathways Programme Abuja Launch found out for themselves, with calculators out and assumptions on the table.

Led by Nelson Okwonna, the session used Nigeria’s labour force and GDP data to get them working through the numbers. Then came the harder question: what does this mean for my work, my business, and what can I do to move the needle?

That was one moment in a day full of activities. The Inclusive Economic Empowerment (IEE) Pathways Programme Abuja Launch and Participant Onboarding ceremony also brought together stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Youths and Development (FMYD), Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, JONAPWD, SMEDAN, the Corporate Affairs Commission and others.

Programme coordinator Deborah Adeyanju-Bello took participants through the mandate, what the programme offers and what it will take to complete the journey. There were keynote speeches, conversations on safeguarding and inclusivity, and plenty of questions.

Practical, thought-provoking and highly interactive: that’s the experience ahead.

And this was only Day One.

01/10/2026

October is here, and Nigeria is 66!

Two reasons to celebrate. One new month, and another chapter in our nation’s remarkable journey.

Today, we celebrate Nigeria, her people, her story, and the possibilities that lie ahead.

May this new month bring fresh energy, meaningful progress, and plenty of reasons to believe in what we can build together.

Happy New Month. and happy Independence Day, Nigeria!

27/09/2026

After weeks of preparation, the moment is almost here.

Tomorrow, Monday, 28 September, the -funded Inclusive Economic Empowerment (IEE) Pathways Programme Abuja officially begins with our Participant Onboarding Ceremony and Programme Launch in Abuja.

A new journey is about to begin for our selected participants as they come together to learn, connect, build new skills and prepare for what comes next.

The first step starts tomorrow.

Stay with us as we begin this journey.

IEE Pathways starts here.

25/09/2026

The Inclusive Economic Empowerment (IEE) Pathways Programme Abuja is almost ready to begin!

Got questions about what happens next? We’ve got you.

From Monday, 28 September, our selected participants will come together for the Participant Onboarding Session and take their first steps into the programme.

But before we get started, there are a few things worth knowing.

How will the training work? When will sessions run? How long does the programme last? And what can you expect from the Employment and Enterprise Tracks?

Swipe through the FAQs to find out what you need to know before we begin.

Monday is just the beginning. We can’t wait to get started with you.

Stay connected and keep an eye out for more updates and announcements as the programme gets underway.

17/09/2026

Access to finance is a familiar challenge for many MSMEs across Africa, especially those owned/led by women entrepreneurs. However, though the barriers tend to bear similarities, from high interest rates to stringent collateral requirements, the solutions often vary, requiring greater nuance.

The 2024 ICR-SMEDAN study on Enhancing Access to Finance for Women-Owned Enterprises in Nigeria, implemented by Octoville Development Company, found that only 25.9% of women entrepreneurs surveyed had accessed finance from commercial financing institutions. The study also identified an estimated ₦2.9 trillion financing gap for women-owned enterprises.

However, addressing this gap requires more than simply increasing the supply of finance. It also requires understanding how finance can be made more accessible and responsive to the realities of women-owned businesses.

Findings from the study therefore pointed towards a more responsive financing approach by commercial banks, including: alternative forms of collateral, finance bundled with Business Development Services, value-chain-specific financing, stronger women’s cooperatives and support networks, and simpler loan application processes.

Critically, the question is not only about how much finance can be made available, but whether it is designed to reach the businesses that need it.

For the full report, click the link below:

https://www.icr-facility.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICReport-Enhancing-Access-to-Finance-for-Women-Owned-Enterprises.pdf

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

10/09/2026

Two days. Plenty of ideas. One shared goal: getting ready to deliver the IEE Pathways Programme under Youth Connect, the British Council Nigeria's Global Youth Leadership programme.

Earlier this week, the Octoville team took part in an engaging and highly interactive Training of Trainers (ToT) session led by Nelson Okwonna.

Beyond the training itself, the event provided an opportunity to demonstrate and examine each facilitator’s pedagogical approach, highlighting individual strengths while identifying areas for further development.

We were also pleased to have external team members join us and contribute to the learning experience.

Now, the team is better prepared to bring the IEE Pathways Programme 2026 to life. Next stop: the classroom.

And there’s still time to be part of the journey.

Applications remain open for young people aged 18–35 in Abuja until 11 September 2026.

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eRjAKZZw

07/09/2026

Still thinking about applying? Now's the time to make your move!

The IEE Pathways Programme, delivered under Youth Connect, the British Council Nigeria’s youth leadership programme, is still accepting applications from young people aged 18–35 in Abuja looking to build practical skills and take their next step towards employment or entrepreneurship.

4 days to go! Applications close 11 September.

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eRjAKZZw

02/09/2026

What would you do with the right skills, the right support and the right connections?

Are you a young person between the ages of 18-35 based in Abuja? The IEE Pathways Programme, delivered under Youth Connect, the British Council’s global youth leadership programme, has been designed to help you build the skills and practical experience to move towards decent employment or operating successful businesses.

Sessions will take place once or twice a week.

Start with a strong foundation. Gain practical exposure and build the right connections. Then take the path that fits your ambitions.

Women and people with disability are highly encouraged to apply.

Your next opportunity could start here.

Applications Close: 11 September 2026.

Register Now: https://tinyurl.com/IEEPathways26

The Inclusive Economic Empowerment (IEE) Pathways Programme is an initiative of the British Council, delivered under its Non-Formal Education (NFE) programme, aimed at advancing inclusive economic empowerment among Nigerian youths through structured employment and enterprise pathways. The programme....