Lagos, Nigeria – September 3, 2026, – NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) has marked a major milestone with the successful holding of its 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM), bringing together women entrepreneurs, business leaders, partners, and stakeholders to celebrate two decades of enterprise development, women’s economic empowerment and leadership.
The landmark AGM, held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, provided an opportunity for members to reflect on the Network’s 20-year journey, review its programmes and achievements, and set strategic priorities for a new phase of growth.
A major highlight of the AGM was the unanimous ratification of the appointment of Mrs. Bolanle Edwards as the substantive President of NNEW, following which she was formally sworn in as the Network’s 6th President.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Edwards expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in her and acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of NNEW’s founding executives and past leaders.
She pledged to provide purposeful leadership anchored on commitment, fairness, transparency and accountability, while building on the achievements of previous administrations. “My administration will prioritise initiatives that create greater opportunities for members, strengthen NNEW’s relevance and deliver tangible value to women entrepreneurs.” Mrs. Edwards said.
The AGM was attended by the Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, who commended NNEW for its sustained contribution to the development of women entrepreneurs and the broader private sector.
Mr. Oyerinde charged the Network to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the economy, particularly those arising from technology, innovation, changing markets and new business models.
According to the Director- General, “NNEW must continue to look ahead, identify new opportunities and position itself to take advantage of them, while ensuring that the initiatives of the Network deliver measurable outcomes and tangible value to its members.”
The Chairperson of the NNEW Governing Council, Mrs. Fayo Williams, congratulated the Network on reaching its 20th anniversary and reflected on the significance of the milestone.
She called for stronger institutional capacity, deeper collaboration among members and stakeholders, and a more responsive Network capable of effectively addressing emerging opportunities and challenges facing women entrepreneurs.
“As we celebrate 20 years of NNEW, we must strengthen the institution, deepen collaboration and position the Network to respond effectively to the emerging opportunities and challenges facing women entrepreneurs.” Mrs . Williams said.
The Publicity Secretary of NNEW, Mrs. Eniola Mayowa, welcomed members, distinguished guests and stakeholders to the AGM and expressed appreciation for their continued commitment to the growth and development of the Network. She said, “the current leadership will continue to seek the support of all members and critical stakeholders to achieve more successes in the coming years”.
Other distinguished personalities physically present at the AGM included Dr. Funmilayo Arowoogun, Immediate Past President and Chairperson of the NNEW Governing Council; Dr. Aisha Ime James, Immediate Past Publicity Secretary; Mrs. Olubunmi Osuntuyi, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria; and Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, Vice Chair, Africa, World Chamber Federation, among other eminent guests, business leaders and stakeholders.
The AGM also provided an opportunity to recognise and appreciate the vision, dedication, sacrifices and contributions of NNEW’s founding executives, past presidents, successive leaders and members whose collective efforts have contributed to the growth and sustainability of the Network over the past two decades.
Since its establishment, NNEW has continued to play a strategic role in empowering women entrepreneurs through capacity building, mentoring, networking, advocacy and business linkages. Over the years, the Network has organised and participated in several impactful initiatives, including Annual Summits, trade fairs, foreign and international trade engagements, advocacy programmes and strategic collaborations with development partners and corporate organisations.
Through partnerships with organisations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), ActionAid, FHI 360/Alive & Thrive, FCMB, GIZ, dRPC – development Research and Projects Center, ICC Nigeria, among others, NNEW has continued to create opportunities and deliver interventions aimed at strengthening the capacity of women entrepreneurs and supporting them to build and grow sustainable businesses.
As the Network enters a new phase under the leadership of Mrs. Bolanle Edwards, NNEW remains committed to building a stronger, more responsive and sustainable organisation that delivers tangible value to its members and the wider entrepreneurial community.
The new leadership is expected to build on the solid foundation laid by the Network’s founding executives and successive leaders by strengthening capacity-building programmes, deepening mentoring and networking opportunities, expanding business linkages, enhancing advocacy, fostering strategic partnerships and strengthening NNEW Chapters across the country.
As NNEW looks ahead to the next phase of its journey, the Network remains focused on its vision of building successful women-led enterprises and empowering women to take their rightful place as leaders, innovators and contributors to the future of Nigeria’s economy.
NNEW Secretariat
