OGUN BUSINESS WOMEN GROUP INAUGURATES NEW LEADERSHIP

The National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA),Chief(Mrs) Alaba Lawson in her speech charged all newly elected Executives to see their election to this leadership position in the Group as a call to serve.

‘It is also an opportunity for the leadership which is made up of very cerebral and industrious women to selflessly and through unified actions work together, towards improving the enterprises and businesses of the group and its members. I also urge all members of the chapter to continue to offer voluntary support to the leadership in order to achieve the objectives of the group’, she emphasized.

The Global Convener of the Group (NAWORG), pointed out that the launch of a new Chapter in Ogun State is in recognition of the many industrious women in the State operating in different sectors of the economy, adding that It is also a clear indication of the contributions of these women to the growth of the group and in pursuing the mandate of the Group which is to empower women to contribute to the economy, nation building and women inclusion in decision making.

Penpushing further reports that, Lawson, who is the Iyalode of Yorubaland gave details on the establishment of the group stating that it was established over 14 years ago as the apex body for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s Chamber Movement.

‘Our Group aims are to safeguard the interest of women in Business for the promotion of Trade and Industry both Nationally and Internationally’, adding that, the core objectives for creating this group are to achieve the following; Facilitate women participation in commerce and governance, Identify profitable business and market opportunities for members, access loans and business information for members, to create an environment that is conducive to the development of women entrepreneurs, to provide a forum for local entrepreneurs where they can discuss, debate  and resolve issues pertinent to their respective business ventures, to  organize and conduct seminars, workshops, conferences for the purpose of capacity building and raising awareness amongst women and much more.

Speaking further, she noticed that, despite the immense contributions and visible potential in women, a large number of them are still living in vulnerable conditions, lamenting that women are daily faced with physical, emotional and psychological abuse, inequality and relegation which continue to limit the ability of many of them to reach their full potential.

‘At this point, it is important I reiterate that, the era of “women should be seen and not heard” is long gone. The time is NOW!; Women need to wake up and get fully involved in, knowledge acquisition, financial awareness/literacy, capacity building, skill acquisition and improvement programmes as well as get involved in the process of decision making in their communities. This can be harnessed through proper and timely dissemination of information to proactively leverage on the available opportunities, Lawson declared.

Penpushing also reports that, earlier in her welcome address, Coordinator of the Group, Cynthia Saka said the role of women in the society is fast changing, especially in family life, business, politics and education, stressing that, women are renowned as being industrious and innovative.

‘We have been able to impact our lives and economics positively. However, we can achieve more when we come together, pool resources together, share experiences and network positively.Hence, the official inauguration of Ogun State Chapter of NAWORG today in order to impact in greatest measures upon the lives and citizenty of Ogun State and to further contribute our quota to the development of our dear State’

The Coordinator used the occasion to invite fellow women entrepreneurs that are not yet members to consider joining ‘the moving train that will no doubt shape the lives of womenfolk better. Remember in unity there is strength, we must connect with one another for success to be achieved, a tree does not make a forest’

Penpushing further reports that, the Manager of Bank of Industry, Babatunde Ajala in his remark assured that, the bank will give adequate and necessary support for the group, emphasisng that, reproductive nature of women is a plus to nation growth

‘The Bank of the Industry will support NAWORG; the bank has a gender desk for women, and its part of the bank mandate to support women. Reproductive nature of women is a plus for the economic growth of country’,Ajala said.

Penpushing further reports that, other highlights of the programme include lecture with the theme, ’Becoming a Woman Entrepreneur: Prospect and Challenges; delivered by Prof Modupe Adelabu of National Board for Technical Education, while the second  inaugural lecture with the topic, ’Exploring Opportunities in Agribusiness: Women on Call’, was delivered by Prof Helen Bodunde of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

The ceremony was anchored by Toun  Okewale-Sonaiya of the Women Radio, Bola Solate, Publisher of Public faces and Alhaji AbdulRahman Maku, Executive Secretary of Ogun State Chambers of Commerce. The wife of Ogun State Governor, Dr(Mrs)  Olufunsho  Amosun was appointed Grand Patron, Alhaji Tunji Labode, as Patron and Chief(Mrs Adesola Adebutu as matron