Business group launches empowerment programme for widows, entrepreneurs and vulnerable women

A new program to help widows and women in business get ahead was launched yesterday by the Association of Nigerian Women Business Network (ANWBN) in Lagos.

The program, called Women Economic Empowerment for Widows, Women Entrepreneurs, and Vulnerable Women (WEE 4 3WS), aims to give women the tools and support they need to succeed in business.

Speaking at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hall in Alausa, Ikeja, ANWBN’s National Coordinator Otunba Gbemisola Oduntan shared the program’s goals. “We are gathered here today not just to celebrate this initiative but to ignite a shared vision—one where women are empowered to thrive as leaders, innovators, and collaborators in building a better, more inclusive future,” she said.

The program will help women become financially independent and connect them with business resources and market opportunities. Oduntan also revealed that banks have been invited to offer financial support to women with promising business ideas.

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Dr. Funke Bolujoko, founder of Master Tea, spoke to the group through video call. She encouraged women to view failure as a learning opportunity. “Find alliances that help you thrive and avoid cutting corners. Build relationships that matter and make use of every opportunity for progress,” she advised.

To inspire the women, Dr. Bolujoko shared the story of Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya, who started his now-successful Eleganza Group of Companies at age 14 and has kept it running for over 71 years. She pointed to his honest business practices and determination as keys to his success.

The event included a discussion about helping women-owned businesses grow. One of the speakers, lawyer Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, urged women to focus on doing excellent work. “There is so much ANWBN can achieve. We need to pursue knowledge, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training,” she said.

Mabogunje also gave practical advice to working mothers, suggesting ways to balance running a business while taking care of their families. She encouraged women to promote their products at exhibitions and to keep pushing forward even when things get tough.