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It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that the NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) announces the passing of our beloved President, Mrs. Adefunke Kuyoro, who peacefully transitioned to glory on June 2, 2026. Mrs. Kuyoro was an exceptional leader whose dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women entrepreneurs left an enduring impact on our Network and the wider business community. Through her service, she inspired countless individuals and contributed significantly to the growth and success of NNEW. Her passing is a tremendous loss to our Network, her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. We kindly request that you keep her family, loved ones, and the entire NNEW community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult period as we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader and an extraordinary woman. Details regarding funeral arrangements and official tributes will be communicated to members as soon as they are made available by the family. We appreciate your understanding, support, and cooperation during this time of mourning. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Click here to write your condolences

NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) proudly marks a significant leadership transition as we celebrate the remarkable service of our outgoing Chairman, Mrs. Edobong Akpabio, and warmly welcome our new Chairman, Mrs. Fayo Williams. We extend our deepest appreciation to Mrs. Edobong Akpabio for her exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the growth and advancement of NNEW. Throughout her tenure, she provided visionary guidance, championed women’s entrepreneurship, and helped strengthen the network’s impact across Nigeria. Her legacy of service, excellence, and empowerment will continue to inspire generations of women entrepreneurs. As we express our gratitude, we are equally delighted to congratulate Mrs. Fayo Williams on her appointment as Chairman of the Governing Council, NNEW. A respected leader with a proven track record of excellence, she brings a wealth of experience, insight, and passion to this role. We are confident that under her leadership, NNEW will continue to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and deepen its contribution to national economic development. This transition reflects the strength and continuity of NNEW’s commitment to empowering women-led businesses and creating pathways for sustainable growth. Thank you, Mrs. Edobong Akpabio, for your outstanding service. Congratulations, Mrs. Fayo Williams, on your well-deserved appointment. We look forward to an exciting new chapter for NNEW.

Introduction NNEW Academy successfully organized and hosted a virtual training titled “AI Advantage: How Smart Businesses Are Getting Seen, Chosen & Paid in the AI Economy.” The training was designed to equip entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners with practical knowledge and strategies on AI visibility, digital positioning, business automation, and content systems required to thrive in today’s AI-driven economy. The session was moderated by Faith Desmond and facilitated by the renowned AI strategist, Adeola Eka (The AI Angel) alongside her support team. The training was highly practical, interactive, and impactful, featuring live demonstrations, strategic insights, engagement sessions, and actionable implementation frameworks for participants. Attendance & Participation A total of 49 participants were present during the training session. This figure comprised: 35 paid participants who successfully registered through the official registration link before the training. 4 additional participants who joined the training after their payments were confirmed during the course of the session. Members of the NNEW Academy team The facilitator and her support team The session moderator The turnout and participation level reflected strong interest in AI-driven business growth and digital visibility among entrepreneurs and professionals. Training Modules Covered Participants were taken through several practical modules, including: The AI Economy Shift Understanding AI Visibility Making AI Trust & Recommend Your Business Content Creation for AI Visibility Automating Visibility & Daily Leads Live Business Demonstration & Real-Time Execution AI Visibility Action Planning The live demonstrations and real-time execution aspect of the training significantly increased participant engagement and understanding. Participant Source & Marketing Performance Analysis of participant registration sources showed encouraging results regarding the effectiveness of the Academy’s digital outreach and community engagement strategy. Among the paid participants: 61.1% registered through social media platforms 25.7% were referred by friends and colleagues 5.7% came through family referrals, NNEW, and NNEW WhatsApp channels These figures strongly authenticate the impact and effectiveness of NNEW Academy’s digital communication, community engagement, and online visibility efforts, particularly through strategic social media management and coordinated online campaigns. The performance further highlights the growing importance of consistent digital engagement and targeted online visibility in attracting and converting participants for Academy programs. Group Registration Strategy One of the notable successes observed during the registration process was the positive response to the group registration discount protocol. Participants responded favorably to the group pricing structure, and it contributed to increased interest, referrals, and collaborative registrations. Based on the outcome of this training, it is strongly recommended that: NNEW Academy continues implementing group registration incentives for future trainings and programs. Referral-driven registration models be further strengthened as part of the Academy’s growth and outreach strategy. General Outcome The training was successful, impactful, and well-received by participants. Feedback and engagement during the session reflected: Increased participant awareness of AI-driven business visibility Strong interest in practical AI implementation for SMEs Appreciation for the live demonstrations and actionable strategies shared during the session The event also strengthened NNEW Academy’s positioning as a forward-thinking platform committed to equipping entrepreneurs and professionals with relevant digital and business growth skills. Conclusion The successful execution of the AI Advantage training demonstrates the increasing relevance and demand for AI education, digital visibility, and practical business automation among entrepreneurs and professionals. NNEW Academy remains committed to delivering transformational learning experiences that empower participants with future-ready skills, practical tools, and sustainable growth strategies.

The NNEW Lagos Chapter recently organized a comprehensive workshop aimed at equipping newly appointed Heads of Sectors and Heads of Committees with the knowledge and tools required to lead effectively. The Chairperson of NNEW Lagos, Dr. Ekaete Aniekan Etiebet, delivered the opening remarks, encouraging participants to take full advantage of the learning opportunity. She emphasized that the insights gained from the sessions would significantly strengthen their leadership capacity and enhance their effectiveness in managing their respective sectors and committees. Strengthening Leadership Through Effective Communication Mrs. Aderoju Odunsi delivered an insightful session on effective communication and its critical role in achieving team success. She highlighted that clear communication is a powerful leadership tool that fosters trust, collaboration, and productivity within teams. She emphasized the importance of active listening, noting that truly understanding team members improves engagement and reduces misunderstandings. Participants were introduced to practical strategies such as setting clear expectations, using simple and concise language, and selecting appropriate communication channels. Mrs. Odunsi also addressed common communication pitfalls and provided guidance on how to avoid them. Her session equipped participants with practical tools to communicate more effectively and drive better outcomes within their teams. Leading with Purpose: Guiding and Supporting Team Members Mrs. Fausat Sanni-Yusuf led a practical session focused on effective leadership, guidance, and team support. She stressed that leadership requires intentional effort, including leading by example and providing clear direction so that team members fully understand their roles and responsibilities. She highlighted the importance of consistent communication in maintaining alignment and motivation, as well as the need for continuous support and mentorship to enhance team performance and growth. She encouraged leaders to regularly follow up, provide constructive feedback, and ensure accountability. Her session reinforced the importance of proactive leadership and strong support systems in achieving team success and delivering meaningful impact. Driving Results: Strategies for Achieving Sector Goals Mr. Adeniyi Adeyanju facilitated an engaging and impactful session on strategies for achieving sector goals successfully. He emphasized that leadership within NNEW goes beyond titles and requires a deep commitment to delivering measurable results and creating impact. He introduced participants to the importance of setting SMART goals, engaging members effectively, and developing structured action plans to ensure execution. A key highlight of the session was the introduction of the S.E.C.T.O.R. Model, which serves as a practical framework for success: S – Set Clear Goals E – Engage Members C – Create Action Plans T – Track Progress O – Optimize Collaboration R – Review and Report Outcomes Participants also explored common challenges such as low participation and lack of clarity, along with actionable strategies to overcome them. Conclusion: Building Leaders for Greater Impact The workshop concluded with a strong reminder that effective leadership is rooted in clarity, consistency, and collaboration. Participants left equipped with practical tools and renewed commitment, inspired to create impact, drive results, and transform lives within their sectors and committees.

The April edition of the She Means Business Dialogue, hosted by the NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), brought together women entrepreneurs and business owners for an insightful session focused on “Human Capital and People Management for Small Businesses.” The virtual dialogue featured renowned business coach and entrepreneur, Ayotunde Meshioye, who shared practical strategies for managing people effectively, retaining talent, and building productive workplace systems within small businesses. Welcoming participants to the session, the Publicity Secretary of NNEW, Eniola Mayowa, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through capacity-building initiatives and monthly engagement platforms. She noted that the She Means Business Dialogue continues to serve as a valuable platform for learning, collaboration, and business growth. Also speaking at the session, the Vice President of NNEW, Bolanle Edwards, highlighted the importance of human capital in sustaining and growing successful enterprises. She emphasized that effective people management remains one of the key pillars for long-term business success. During his presentation, Ayotunde Meshioye described human capital as one of the greatest assets of any business and stressed the need for entrepreneurs to adopt structured hiring and performance management systems. He explained that small business owners must pay attention not only to recruiting talent but also to creating an environment where employees can grow, contribute meaningfully, and remain motivated. The session explored critical aspects of workforce management, including onboarding processes, workforce planning, talent retention strategies, workplace policies, and performance tracking. Participants were encouraged to establish clear expectations for employees, define measurable performance indicators, and maintain consistent feedback systems to improve productivity and accountability. Ayotunde further emphasized the importance of workplace culture, integrity, and professionalism in managing teams. He advised entrepreneurs to develop clear workplace policies covering ethics, conduct, use of company resources, and employee behavior, while also ensuring that employees feel appreciated through recognition, growth opportunities, and flexible work arrangements where possible. The dialogue also featured an engaging interactive session where participants asked questions on balancing competitive remuneration with skill acquisition, handling difficult or disgruntled employees, managing relatives within business structures, and deciding whether to rehire former staff members. Despite intermittent technical and connectivity challenges experienced during the virtual session, participants described the engagement as highly impactful and insightful. The session concluded with appreciation to the guest speaker and organizers, while presentation materials were scheduled to be shared with participants for further learning and implementation. Through initiatives like the SheMeansBusinessDialogue, NNEW continues to provide women entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, professional support, and strategic insights necessary for building sustainable and thriving businesses.

The recent national meeting of the NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) Kwara Chapter brought together women entrepreneurs and business leaders for an engaging and informative session centered on tax reform, business compliance, and sustainable business growth strategies. The meeting featured two impactful presentations designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge for navigating today’s evolving business environment. The first session was delivered by Dr. Temi Onosaya on the topic “Gift to Gain: The Winning Formula for Women Entrepreneurs.” In her presentation, Dr. Onosanya emphasized the power of strategic giving as a valuable business tool for building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating long-term business opportunities. She encouraged entrepreneurs to see giving not merely as charity, but as a strategic investment in people, relationships, and brand reputation. According to her, businesses that intentionally create value and build goodwill are more likely to achieve customer loyalty, sustainable growth, and lasting impact. The second session was facilitated by Mr. Tope Fatiregun, who provided participants with a detailed overview of Nigeria’s Tax Reform 2025 and its implications for businesses. Mr. Tope Fatiregun explained key aspects of the new tax structure, including compliance requirements, financial documentation, payroll obligations, deductible business expenses, and the importance of maintaining accurate financial records. He also highlighted emerging digital compliance systems such as e-invoicing and online registration processes for businesses. Special attention was given to businesses with annual turnover ranging between zero and one hundred million naira, with practical explanations on tax thresholds, obligations, and smart compliance strategies. He clarified that tax liabilities are based on net profits rather than total revenue, helping participants better understand how the new reforms affect small and medium-sized enterprises. As part of the session, participants were introduced to a digital tax calculation platform, Zorotask.ng, which offers tools for payroll management, turnover tracking, and tax calculations. The platform was highlighted as a practical resource to support business owners in maintaining proper financial compliance. The interactive session allowed participants to ask questions on tax documentation, financial narrations for transactions, compliance procedures, and business management practices. The discussions provided clarity on several areas of concern for entrepreneurs seeking to align their businesses with the new regulatory framework. The meeting concluded with important administrative announcements focused on improving meeting attendance, encouraging timely payment of annual subscriptions, and strengthening membership growth across various state chapters, particularly NNEW Kwara. Special appreciation was extended to the leadership and officers of NNEW for their continued commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through knowledge-sharing, professional development, and business support initiatives. Through engagements such as this, NNEW continues to equip women-led businesses with the tools, insights, and strategic guidance needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive and regulated business environment.

A virtual session on oral health and wellness was held on Thursday, 26th March at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom, bringing together health professionals, entrepreneurs, and members of the NNEW Lagos Chapter to mark World Oral Health Day. The moderator, Uloma Nkemakolam, welcomed attendees and outlined the agenda, emphasizing the importance of oral health and its impact on overall well-being, particularly for women entrepreneurs. In her opening remarks, The Chairperson,Dr. Ekaete Aniekan Etiebet welcomed participants and highlighted the significance of maintaining good oral health for confidence and general wellness. She expressed appreciation to the panelists for their contributions before the session proceeded with an opening prayer led by Monica Umoh and the national anthem. The panel discussion featured experts including Professor Kehinde Umeizudike Professor Donna Chioma Umesi, and Dr. Oyapero Afolabi, who shared insights on the connection between oral health and general body health. Discussions revealed that poor oral hygiene could negatively affect vital systems such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Dr. Afolabi elaborated on the link between gum disease and serious health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, noting that these conditions can both influence and be influenced by oral health status. The session also addressed the impact of stress on oral health, with experts explaining that stress can lead to unhealthy dietary habits and hormonal changes that increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Special attention was given to women’s oral health across different life stages.The panel highlighted how hormonal changes during menopause can lead to reduced saliva production, bone density loss, and increased vulnerability to gum disease and tooth loss. Practical recommendations included regular dental visits, hydration, use of fluoride products, and chewing sugar-free gum. The discussion also covered oral health concerns during pregnancy, with experts warning that bleeding gums should not be ignored, as they may be linked to complications such as preterm birth. Participants were advised to seek professional dental care for proper evaluation and treatment. Other topics addressed included the management of dry mouth in elderlyindividuals, causes and treatment of bad breath, tooth alignment issues, and effective oral hygiene practices for busy professionals. The panelists emphasized the importance of routine dental check-ups, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and avoiding harmful habits. The event concluded with announcements of upcoming health initiatives, including the “September to Remember” programme, and a call for participants to complete attendance forms for potential follow-up dentalconsultations. The session reinforced the critical role of oral health in overall wellness and encouraged participants to adopt proactive dental care practices as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The March edition of the SheMeansBusinessDialogue, hosted by the NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), brought together women entrepreneurs and business leaders for an impactful session centered on building strong, ethical, and sustainable brands. The virtual dialogue featured renowned business psychologist and growth coach, Maureen Ada-Leonard, who delivered an insightful presentation on “Building Strong and Ethical Brands.” The session explored how entrepreneurs can intentionally develop brands that inspire trust, create lasting value, and remain competitive in today’s evolving marketplace. Welcoming participants to the session, representatives of NNEW emphasized the importance of practical business knowledge and continuous learning in helping women-led businesses grow sustainably. Participants were encouraged to apply insights from previous sessions while strengthening their entrepreneurial capacity through ethical leadership and strategic thinking. In her presentation, Maureen Ada-Leonard explained that building a viable brand goes beyond logos and marketing, stressing that sustainable brands are built through intentional planning, structure, consistency, and alignment with clear vision and mission statements. She highlighted different dimensions of ethics that influence business success, including regulatory ethics, institutional ethics, inspirational ethics, and personal ethics. According to her, personal ethos — such as integrity, transparency, consistency, and accountability — forms the foundation upon which strong brands are built. Maureen further explained that ethical brands thrive when business values, culture, and behavior are aligned. She emphasized that entrepreneurs must create enabling environments that support their vision while cultivating workplace cultures that reflect professionalism, trustworthiness, and excellence. The session also explored the role of perception in branding. Participants learned that while businesses may not fully control public perception, they can intentionally shape it through excellent customer service, quality products, effective marketing, and consistent customer experiences. She noted that positive perceptions build customer loyalty and trust, while unethical practices can damage reputation and weaken business sustainability. Encouraging participants to focus on long-term value creation rather than short-term profit, Maureen stressed the importance of customer-centric business strategies, delayed gratification, and continuous improvement. She advised entrepreneurs to exceed customer expectations, remain adaptable to changing market trends, and consistently improve on their strengths and weaknesses. The highly interactive session allowed participants to share personal insights and key takeaways from the discussion. Many attendees highlighted the importance of identifying unique value propositions, maintaining consistent customer experiences, and building businesses grounded in ethical practices. The meeting also featured announcements of upcoming NNEW initiatives and programmes, including a World Oral Health Day event and a NNEW Academy webinar focused on decision-making strategies for entrepreneurs. The session concluded with expressions of appreciation to the guest speaker, organizers, and participants for contributing to another impactful edition of the She Means Business Dialogue. Through initiatives such as the She Means Business Dialogue, NNEW continues to empower women entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, ethical leadership insights, and business strategies designed to foster sustainable growth and long-term success.

The February edition of the SheMeansBusiness Dialogue, organized by the NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), provided women entrepreneurs and small business owners with practical insights into accessing funding and maintaining financial discipline for sustainable business growth. The virtual session featured Dr. Femi Egbesola as the guest speaker, who delivered an extensive presentation on “Accessing Funds and Financial Discipline for SMEs.” Welcoming participants to the dialogue, the Publicity Secretary of NNEW, Mrs.Eniola, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship, continuous learning, and financial empowerment, particularly for women-led businesses. She encouraged participants to engage actively and reflect on their financial management practices, noting that business growth requires intentionality and discipline. Also speaking during the session, the President of NNEW, Adefunke Kuyoro, stressed the need for entrepreneurs to remain adaptable and committed to improving their business operations in order to achieve sustainable growth. In his keynote presentation, Dr. Femi Egbesola highlighted the challenges many women entrepreneurs face in accessing funding despite women accounting for a significant percentage of Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem. He noted that limited access to formal financing continues to hinder innovation, expansion, and economic growth for many small businesses. The session explored several funding options available to entrepreneurs, including grants, loans, investments, accelerator programs, crowdfunding platforms, invoice financing, factoring, and venture capital opportunities. Dr. Egbesola explained that while funding is important, businesses must first be structured and financially prepared before seeking investment or financial support. Participants were introduced to various government and private sector initiatives supporting SMEs and women entrepreneurs, including the Development Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Training Program, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund W Initiative, the Youth Entrepreneurship Support Programme, and funding opportunities through the Bank of Industry and agribusiness-focused organizations. Dr. Egbesola also discussed recent developments such as the Nigerian Credit Guarantee Company, designed to help SMEs secure loans with reduced collateral requirements, and the National Collateral Registry, which allows businesses to use movable assets as collateral for financing. A major focus of the dialogue was financial discipline and business structure. Participants were advised to maintain proper bookkeeping systems, separate personal and business finances, prepare clear business plans, and develop realistic cash flow projections. The importance of maintaining accurate records and understanding the right type of funding suitable for each stage of business growth was strongly emphasized. The session further highlighted the role of accelerator programmes that combine funding with mentorship and business support services to help entrepreneurs build scalable and investment-ready businesses. During the interactive question-and-answer session, participants sought clarification on age restrictions for grants and loans, bookkeeping solutions for small businesses, invoice financing, and how to improve eligibility for funding opportunities. Dr. Egbesola reassured participants that many funding programmes are accessible beyond youth-focused initiatives and encouraged entrepreneurs to position their businesses strategically. Free bookkeeping software solutions such as Zoho Books and QuickBooks were also recommended as practical tools for improving financial management and accountability within small businesses. The meeting concluded with additional information about joining NNEW and benefiting from its business support network, training opportunities, mentorship initiatives, and entrepreneurial resources. Participants were also informed about upcoming NNEW Academy programmes aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial capacity and business development. Through impactful initiatives such as the SheMeansBusiness Dialogue, NNEW continues to empower women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and strategic guidance needed to access opportunities, strengthen financial management, and build sustainable businesses.

The NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women Lagos Chapter successfully held its February General Meeting and Business Clinic on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at NECA House, Plot A2 Hakeem Balogun Street, Lagos. The meeting commenced at 8:00 AM with members arriving full of enthusiasm and anticipation for a day centered on learning, networking, collaboration, and business growth. The atmosphere reflected the chapter’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering impactful business connections. Business Clinic: Personalized Business Support One of the major highlights of the event was the interactive Business Clinic session, where members received one-on-one guidance from experienced professionals referred to as NNEW’s “Business Doctors.” The clinic featured specialized sessions in key business areas including: Business Planning – facilitated by Olubunmi Odewole Growth Planning – facilitated by Bukky Femi Ajala Recruitment & Staffing – facilitated by Dr. Obiageli Nwobi Members described the sessions as insightful, practical, and transformational, providing tailored strategies to strengthen and scale their businesses. Inspiring Opening Remarks The Chairperson, Dr. Ekate Aniekan Etiebet, warmly welcomed participants and set the tone for the meeting with inspiring opening remarks focused on growth, resilience, and collaboration. The Vice President also conveyed goodwill messages on behalf of the President, while the Public Relations Officer reinforced the organization’s mission, vision, and core values, encouraging members to remain committed to excellence and entrepreneurial success. Engaging Learning Sessions Participants also enjoyed an engaging Business Game session facilitated by Dr. Yinka Olugbo. The session combined learning and interaction, equipping members with practical business insights in an enjoyable format. Another impactful presentation, titled Visibility for Impact, was delivered by Mrs. Modupe Oyekunle. She emphasized the importance of visibility, strategic positioning, and adopting a global mindset to remain competitive and relevant in the coming decade. Driving Women’s Economic Empowerment The February meeting was impactful, informative, and inspiring, further advancing NNEW’s mission of empowering women entrepreneurs through knowledge-sharing, mentorship, networking, and capacity development. The event concluded with renewed motivation among members to pursue business excellence and sustainable growth.