First Bank of Nigeria has launched the "Spark A Gem Challenge" to support women entrepreneurs, awarding a total of ₦10 million in grants to outstanding women-owned businesses under its Women Preneur Pitch-A-Ton programme.

The initiative provides business training, mentorship, networking opportunities and funding support. According to the bank, 356 women-owned businesses applied, with eight finalists selected for a four-day capacity-building programme before presenting their business ideas to an independent panel.

Mrs Onyinye Obayi, founder of Honeypot Confections Ltd., emerged as the overall winner and received a ₦5 million grant, while the first and second runners-up received ₦3 million and ₦2 million respectively.