Kwara State delegates took center stage in advancing women’s economic empowerment as they made a remarkable impression at the just-concluded Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE) Conference held in Abuja.
The state’s representatives stood out for their organization, creativity, and inspiring message of progress — blending cultural pride with a call for innovation and digital inclusion in business.
The conference brought together hundreds of women entrepreneurs from across Nigeria to discuss strategies for expanding business visibility and competitiveness in the digital era.
Delivering a keynote address, the Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair and National President of NAWE, Erelu BARR Vera Ndanusa, urged women to embrace modern approaches to business management.
She emphasised that the era of doing business the “same old way” was over, calling on female entrepreneurs to leverage technology, digital tools, and personal branding to access new markets and scale their enterprises.
“Women must embrace innovation, e-commerce, and digital skills if they are to remain competitive,” she said. “The world is changing fast, and business growth today depends on visibility, technology, and creativity.”
EVAG. Amb. Florence Abiodun Afolabi, the State Director of NAWE, said Kwara women entrepreneurs have keyed into these ideals by combining innovation with the preservation of local heritage.
“Kwara women are redefining enterprise,” she said. “They are building businesses from indigenous knowledge and transforming traditional products into marketable brands. Our presence here reflects the governor’s continuous support for women empowerment and skills development.”
One of the major attractions at the conference was the Kwara exhibition stand, which featured an array of locally produced goods such as dried fish, shea butter (ori), locust beans (iru), dry okra, tofu (a soya bean product), and ginger — all processed and packaged by women-led businesses in the state.
Madam Comfort Ebun Bamidele,North Central representative on the NAWE Board of Trustees and founder of Asabi Ade Enterprises Nigeria Limited, shared her inspiring journey that spans three decades of entrepreneurship.
“I joined NAWE out of a deep passion for business,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see more rural women actively involved today — learning, innovating, and proudly showcasing what they do. We’ve indeed come a long way.”
Beyond the exhibitions, Kwara delegates also thrilled participants with a colorful cultural performance featuring traditional music, dance, and attire that earned a standing ovation and admiration from other states.
Observers described Kwara’s participation as one of the most coordinated and impactful, reflecting the state’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and local enterprise through empowerment programmes and access to new business opportunities.
The state’s strong representation at the NAWE Conference further reinforces Kwara’s reputation as a leading hub for women-led innovation and inclusive economic growth, aligning with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s broader agenda for human capital and community development.