Two decades after its founding, NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) has become a leading platform for advancing women’s entrepreneurship and leadership across Nigeria. With more than 2,000 active members spread across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ogun, and Kwara States, the network continues to drive inclusion, innovation, and enterprise among women in business.
As NNEW prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary on October 8–9, 2025, at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja, the organization is reflecting on its journey of building capacity, shaping policy, and giving women a stronger voice in the economic space. The milestone event will bring together entrepreneurs, policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners for two days of high-level dialogue and exhibitions.
According to Mrs. Lara Odebunmi, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, NNEW’s two-decade journey has been defined by empowerment and impact.
“For twenty years, we have equipped women with the managerial and entrepreneurial tools to succeed while also advocating for business-friendly policies that open new frontiers for female-owned enterprises,” she said.
NNEW’s Vice President, Mrs. Bolanle Edwards, highlighted the organization’s achievements, noting that its programs have helped thousands of women strengthen their skills through training sessions, masterclasses, and workshops in areas such as entrepreneurship, leadership, digital transformation, financial literacy, export readiness, and innovation.
She added that this year’s anniversary theme, “Evolve, Elevate, Celebrate,” captures the essence of NNEW’s evolution — from a small support group to a nationwide movement of resilient and visionary businesswomen.
The two-day celebration will feature panel discussions on innovation and the future of women-led enterprises, alongside trade exhibitions and product showcases designed to enhance market visibility and open new business opportunities for members.
For NNEW, the 20th anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity, but a reaffirmation of its mission — to continue nurturing women entrepreneurs who drive transformation and prosperity across Nigeria’s business landscape.
