Baobab Microfinance Bank Expands CSR Reach with Women’s Recovery and Reintegration Centre in Lagos

Baobab Microfinance Bank Expands CSR Reach with Women’s Recovery and Reintegration Centre in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria – Baobab Microfinance Bank has broadened its social impact footprint through a strategic collaboration with the Compassionate Care Recovery Initiative (CCRI), culminating in the launch of *Deborah’s Haven*, a dedicated rehabilitation and reintegration centre for women.

The initiative addresses a pressing yet often underreported issue—the rising number of women struggling with substance dependency, many of whom face stigma, marginalisation, and limited access to structured recovery support. Deborah’s Haven is designed to close this gap by providing a safe and nurturing environment where recovery is integrated with empowerment and social reintegration.

From left:Chief Executive Officer, Baobab Microfinance Bank Nigeria, Eric Ntumba; Chief Executive Officer, Compassionate Care Recovery Initiative, (CCRI), Dr. Dokun Adedeji; Board Member and Director, Baobab Microfinance Bank, Eneni Oduwole, and Board Chairman, Baobab Nigeria, Rotimi Oyekanmi, during the unveiling and opening of Deborah’s Haven, the dedicated female rehabilitation and reintegration wing of the facility in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking during the commissioning, Board Member and Director, Eneni Oduwole, described the centre as a reflection of the bank’s guiding philosophy. “At Baobab Microfinance Bank Nigeria, our Triple P commitment—People, Planet, and Profit—remains central to our operations. Deborah’s Haven embodies this principle, demonstrating our belief in second chances and our responsibility to invest meaningfully in society.”

Deborah’s Haven adopts a holistic model of care, offering beneficiaries access to psychosocial support, vocational training, and structured reintegration pathways—key components for achieving long-term independence and reducing relapse rates.

Chief Executive Officer, Eric Ntumba, underscored the broader economic significance of the initiative. “Inclusive growth cannot be achieved if vulnerable groups are left behind. Supporting women at critical stages of recovery not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens families, communities, and the wider economy.”

This approach reflects a growing recognition that targeted social investments, particularly those focused on women, can yield far-reaching economic and social benefits.

From the partner organisation’s perspective, the collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing collective responses to substance abuse. Dr. Dokun Adedeji, CEO of CCRI, highlighted the importance of private sector engagement in social interventions. “Recovery thrives on support systems. With Baobab’s partnership, we are able to offer not just rehabilitation, but a clear pathway for women to rebuild their lives and re-enter society with confidence and purpose.”

As Deborah’s Haven begins operations, it stands as both a refuge and a platform for transformation—illustrating how financial institutions can move beyond traditional roles to champion social progress.

For Baobab Microfinance Bank, the initiative sends a clear signal: sustainable finance and social impact are interconnected. By investing in vulnerable women, the bank is not only supporting recovery but also contributing to a more resilient and inclusive future for Nigeria.