The Association of Nigerian Women Business Network (ANWBN) a coalition of 28 Women’s organisation had its National Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos on Thursday, October 31.
The event began with the welcome address by ANWBN’s National Coordinator, Chief Mrs. Anita Nana Okuribido who thanked the guests, speakers, and delegates for a successful event.”I must say that the year has been eventful. We kicked off with the Nationwide Walk to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) and the presentation of Our Seven Point Agenda to Government and other stakeholders.
We also had a number of collaborations that have impacted on individual organisations and collectively.
This includes SheTrades, UN Women, NEPC, IOM, FCMB, Access bank, COWLSO and DFID’s project on the transformation of Women Agroprenuers in South West Nigeria.
Our Membership Sensitization Forum which took place at Raddison Hotel, Lagos was quite memorable and the first since the inception of our Great Network.
I strongly believe that our contributions would go a long way to transform the business environment for women and take ANWBN to greater heights.”
A panel session X-ray the many challenges affecting women in the sector identified how to make things better and seek new opportunities for female entrepreneurs.
Members of the session which was moderated by Foluke Ademokun include Ezekiel Solesi, a serial entrepreneur, Mope Abudu, Managing director, Knights and Bishop, and Olugbenga Awe, the Divisional Head, Agric Finance of Heritage bank PLC.
The conference was preceded by a two days workshop facilitated by Carmen Stanila, a senior consultant with CIPE, Washington DC. Some of the topics discussed include networks best practices, sustainability, communication, and Social Media engagement, an overview of the Women’s National Business Agenda process as well as updates of NAWORG’s Advocacy on Access to Finance.
A three-day exhibition of Proudly Made in Nigeria products also went on simultaneously.
The colourful ceremony was attended by the representative of Her Excellency, the First lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo- Olu, Country Director UN Women, Comfort Lamptey, Country Director, CIPE, Mrs. Omowunmi Gbadamosi, Iyalode Alaba Lawson and Amanda Cole, representative of the International Organisation for Migration.
