In a powerful call for accountability and national growth, Nigerian women in business have urged the federal government to back its economic policies with consistent implementation—beginning with the ‘Nigeria First’ initiative. The appeal came during the Handover Ceremony and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Alumnae Association (AWEAA), held in Lagos, where women leaders gathered to chart a new course for sustainable enterprise and inclusive growth.
Leading by Example: A Call to Action
At the event, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, Chief Executive Officer of Le Look Nigeria Limited, emphasized that true national transformation begins when government institutions lead by example.
“The Nigeria First policy must not remain a slogan—it must become our collective way of life,” she said passionately. “Let us domesticate this policy and make it work. We must use what we produce and produce what we use.”
Approved by the Federal Executive Council in May 2025, the Nigeria First policy mandates Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize locally produced goods and services in all government procurements. The initiative aims to boost the local economy, reduce over-dependence on imports, and empower indigenous businesses through increased demand and production.
Ezenwa, whose company has thrived for over four decades, attributed her longevity in business to strategic foresight and discipline. “Sustainability doesn’t happen by luck; it is built from the very beginning,” she noted. “Women have the strength and creativity to do exploits—but integrity and discipline must guide every decision. Money is not everything; quality, values, and mindset matter most.”
Building a Future of Opportunity
Outgoing AWEAA President, Adebisi Odeleye, reflected on her two-year tenure, highlighting milestones in advocacy, finance, and partnership. She noted that access to funding, market opportunities, and fair regulation remain critical challenges for women-led businesses in Nigeria.
“We’ve partnered with Providus Bank, NAFDAC, SON, and other institutions to make doing business easier for women,” Odeleye explained. “The government must take women seriously—our contribution to the economy is undeniable.”
She also expressed optimism about the Bank of Industry’s GLOW Fund, a program providing financial support to women-owned enterprises. “They promised 51% access for women, but we’re pushing for 60%—because women are ready, capable, and deserving,” she affirmed.
In her parting message, Odeleye encouraged her successor, Victoria Ajayi, to continue driving inclusion and innovation: “I believe in you. Give your best—our work is far from over.”
A Vision for Growth and Solidarity
Taking the helm as the new AWEAA President, Victoria Ajayi pledged to harness the association’s collective expertise and expand its impact nationwide.
“We are entering a new era of collaboration and creativity,” Ajayi said. “Through partnerships with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Fidelity Bank, International Trade Centre/SheTrades, BIO, and Optimum Bank, we will bring tangible opportunities to women entrepreneurs across states.”
Ajayi stressed that resilience and unity will be the backbone of her administration. “Challenges will come, but we must remain steadfast. Together, we will rise, thrive, and redefine the future of women in business,” she added.
Private Sector Champions Join the Movement
Representing the financial sector, Damilola Feyide, Lead of SMEs Strategy and Development at Providus Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to empowering women through initiatives such as the SheThrives Program, launched in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre and the United Nations.
“Women are the heartbeat of Nigeria’s SME landscape,” Feyide remarked. “Our role is to ensure they have the resources, mentorship, and confidence to thrive.”
Adding his voice, Mr. Olayinka Oguntola, National Coordinator of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Nigeria, emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships in women’s economic advancement.
“For the past two years, we’ve worked closely with AWEAA to create opportunities for women entrepreneurs,” he said. “Our commitment remains—to empower, to connect, and to elevate.”
Empowering Women, Empowering Nigeria
The gathering served as more than a handover—it was a celebration of resilience, innovation, and sisterhood. It reflected a growing realization that women entrepreneurs are not only essential to Nigeria’s economic revival but also key to shaping a more inclusive and self-reliant future.
As the event concluded, one message resonated through the hall:
“Nigeria’s prosperity begins when its women rise—not as followers, but as leaders of change.”
