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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.

In order to remain competitive, sponsor-attractive and future-ready, NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) has taken deliberate steps to reposition itself for the next decade of growth and impact. To achieve this, a high-level strategic advisory and innovation body — the NNEW Think Tank Group (TTG) — has been constituted to provide forward-looking guidance and institutional intelligence. The inaugural meeting of the Think Tank Group was held yesterday, marking a significant milestone in NNEW’s strategic evolution. The session set the tone for collaborative engagement, strategic diagnostics, and the development of a forward roadmap for the Network. Members of the NNEW Think Tank Group The Think Tank comprises distinguished professionals selected based on expertise, strategic insight, and sectoral influence: 1. Dr. Ramatu Ibrahim 2. Joyce Shittu-Igbodike 3. Kemrose T’Oluwanimi 4. Modupe Eka 5. Venessa Aladesanmi 6. Ajoke Akinola 7. Yetunde Alabi 8. Ngozi Onyemakara 9. Dr. Kehinde Umeizudike 10. Barr. Oluwatosin Owolabi 11. Dr. Betty Adepoju 12. Remi Ademujimi This strategic initiative signals NNEW’s transition from a traditional membership organisation to a future-ready, intelligence-driven and sponsor-responsive women’s Business Membership Organisation (BMO), poised for sustained relevance and national impact. Members of NNEW National Exco flanked by some members of the Think Tank Group (TTG) at the National Secretariat yesterday after the inaugural meeting

The Lagos Chapter of NNEW (NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women) hosted a vital session on Zoom on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, unpacking Nigeria’s new tax reforms. The spotlight was on Oluyemisi, a Fellow of ICAN and CITN with deep expertise in auditing and taxation. Key Highlights on Tax Compliance Oluyemisi broke down the reforms effective January 1, 2026, driven by the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) with enhanced enforcement via data matching, digital verification, and audits. Businesses must prepare for transaction-driven scrutiny—no more manual leniency. SME Essentials: Register for a unique tax ID. Maintain digital records for turnover, sales/expenses, payroll, VAT, and withholding taxes. Use accounting software; reconstruct records if needed. PAYE & Staff Rules: Deduct/remit PAYE to employees’ state of residence. Structure allowances as in-kind benefits (e.g., meals) to minimize tax. Special Cases: Foreign Income/FX: Document all (e.g., consulting fees); pay taxes even if exempt elsewhere. Rental Income: Disclose fully; claim up to 20% rent relief with receipts (max N500,000) Ajo/Thrift & Family Support: Use dedicated accounts; declare purposes to tax office for transparency. Agribusiness: New ventures get 5-year exemption—check eligibility. She stressed internal controls, compliance calendars, and clear bank narrations to defend against audits. Minimum tax is gone for most (except big multinationals), but Capstone Gains and VAT rules tightened. Oluyemisi shared practical tools like checklists and calendars (forthcoming via secretariat) and fielded Q&A on real scenarios, empowering attendees for compliant, audit-proof operations.

As the global community marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women, the NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) has reinforced its dedication to eliminating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), with particular focus on women entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals across Nigeria. NNEW leadership emphasizes that SGBV is not only a profound human rights issue but also a significant impediment to national economic growth and women’s financial independence. According to NNEW President Mrs. Adefunke Kuyoro, gender-based violence represents both a fundamental human rights violation and a significant obstacle to women’s economic advancement. “Women cannot reach their full entrepreneurial potential when they face harassment, intimidation, or discrimination based on gender,” Mrs. Kuyoro noted. “NNEW is dedicated to fostering secure business environments where women can innovate, expand, and lead without apprehension. Eliminating gender-based violence is fundamental to achieving inclusive economic prosperity in Nigeria.” Reinforcing the danger of violence against women, the Vice President, Mrs. Bolanle Edwards, pointed out that SGBV takes multiple forms including physical, psychological, economic, and digital, restricting women’s access to financing, mentorship opportunities, and valuable business networks. “Women entrepreneurs encounter distinct obstacles that impede their participation in business and economic development. This activism period underscores the necessity of protective policies, secure working conditions, and fair opportunities,” she emphasized. The Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Eniola Mayowa, outlined NNEW’s comprehensive approach during the 16-day campaign, which integrates awareness-building, advocacy efforts, and concrete interventions to combat violence and harassment wherever women conduct business. “Our 16 Days of Activism programme includes awareness campaigns, business-oriented sensitization workshops, and a webinar facilitating experience sharing among women entrepreneurs,” she explained. “Additionally, we’re championing the adoption and enforcement of anti-harassment policies across workplaces, marketplaces, and digital platforms, ensuring women can operate and develop their businesses in safety and with confidence.” NNEW’s 16 Days of Activism Programme Highlights Awareness Campaigns: Nationwide education initiatives addressing the scope and consequences of SGBV. Experience Sharing Webinar: Interactive online forum where women entrepreneurs exchange challenges, proven practices, and approaches for overcoming gender-related business barriers. Anti-Harassment Policies: Advocacy for implementing and upholding protective measures in workplaces, marketplaces, and online spaces. NNEW’s Call to Action NNEW calls upon government bodies, civil society organizations, business leaders, and community stakeholders to: Implement and enforce anti-harassment policies across workplaces, marketplaces, and digital platforms. Eliminate discriminatory obstacles preventing women’s access to finance and business opportunities. Establish secure reporting mechanisms for violence and support service access. Champion mentorship, training, and empowerment initiatives for women entrepreneurs. Mobilize men and boys as partners in preventing violence against women Adeniyi Adeyanju Executive Secretary, NNEW Click Here to read our Press Release

Ilorin, Kwara State — November 4, 2025 The NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), Kwara Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Communication, Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Bola Olukoju, at her office on Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin. The visit aimed to introduce the association to the Ministry and explore opportunities for partnership in advancing women’s entrepreneurship and creativity across Kwara State. A Meeting of Visionary Women Led by Hajiya Bilkisu Abdullahi, Vice Chairperson of NNEW (Kwara Chapter), the delegation included Mrs. Ayobami Adediran, State Chairperson; Mrs. Mary Ajado, Ex-Officio Member; and the Press Secretary to the Honourable Commissioner. During the meeting, Hajiya Bilkisu highlighted NNEW’s mission to empower women entrepreneurs across diverse sectors — including fashion, food processing, arts and crafts, hospitality, and small-scale manufacturing. She emphasized that NNEW provides a strong platform for women to achieve economic empowerment, self-reliance, and social impact through business and innovation. Commending the Commissioner’s Impact The delegation applauded Mrs. Olukoju for her remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication to promoting commerce, tourism, arts, and culture in Kwara State. They praised her for creating programs and opportunities that strengthen small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and elevate women’s participation in the business and creative sectors. Fostering Collaboration and Empowerment In her remarks, Mrs. Ayobami Adediran stressed the importance of collaboration between the Ministry and women’s business networks. She called for partnerships that would support capacity-building initiatives, networking platforms, and inclusive policies designed to empower women entrepreneurs. Adding to this, Mrs. Mary Ajado reaffirmed NNEW’s commitment to supporting the socio-economic development of Kwara State. She expressed the association’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives that promote creativity, cultural heritage, and sustainable economic empowerment for women. The Commissioner’s Response In her response, Honourable Commissioner Mrs. Bola Olukoju warmly welcomed the NNEW delegation and expressed appreciation for their visit and vision. She shared insights into the Ministry’s ongoing programmes and outlined future plans designed to enhance Kwara’s commercial and cultural landscape. She expressed enthusiasm for collaboration with NNEW on projects that showcase the state’s creativity and talent, stating: “Women are the heartbeat of enterprise and creativity. When we empower women, we strengthen families, build communities, and grow our economy. The Ministry is proud to work hand-in-hand with groups like NNEW to unlock the full potential of Kwara’s women.”— Hon. Mrs. Bola Olukoju, Commissioner for Communication, Tourism, Arts & Culture In a further show of support, the Honourable Commissioner facilitated an introduction between NNEW and the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Dr. (Mrs.) Hauwa Nuru, to encourage future partnership and engagement. Building a Future of Shared Growth The courtesy visit ended on a high note, with both parties expressing optimism about future collaborations. The discussions laid a strong foundation for joint initiatives that will drive entrepreneurship, innovation, and women’s empowerment across the state. The visit underscored a shared vision between NNEW and the Ministry — one that champions economic growth, creativity, and inclusivity in the ongoing development of Kwara State. Signed:Hajiya Bilkisu AbdullahiVice Chairperson, NNEW (Kwara Chapter)Date: November 4, 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – August 18, 2025 — Building on a previously funded initiative under the Innovation Fund, NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) has once again partnered with the Women in Digital Business (WIDB) program, an initiative sponsored by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and Microsoft, to expand the reach and impact of digital training for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. In this new and extended phase, the program takes a dual-cohort approach, running two impactful training streams simultaneously. Cohort 1 focuses on Training of Trainers (ToT), equipping 100 trainers with advanced digital business skills and pedagogical tools to empower others in their communities. Cohort 2 is currently reaching over 100 women entrepreneurs in Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State. This builds on the momentum of a successful pilot session conducted in Ikorodu, where participating entrepreneurs reported significant improvements in their business outlook and digital confidence under the Training of Women Entrepreneurs of the initiative. “We are proud to be part of a global initiative that puts actionable tools in the hands of women entrepreneurs; and we are excited on the recognition by the Women In Digital Business (WIDB) as an Institutional partner on the laudable initiative,” said NNEW President, Mrs. Adefunke Kuyoro. “As the world rapidly evolves, digital skills are not a luxury,they are essential for business resilience and competitiveness. More importantly, the future of business is digital, and with partners like these, we are empowering women not just to survive, but to lead and innovate.” The training program is designed to equip women entrepreneurs with essential digital business skills needed to grow their businesses, expand their market reach, and navigate today’s digital economy. The comprehensive curriculum includes modules on: Digital transformation strategy, Building an effective online presence, Selling products and services online, Digitizing business operations and processes and Developing action plans for practical implementation “Through this digital training, we are helping entrepreneurs move from survival to scalability, enabling them to tap into wider markets and position their businesses for long-term success.” said Eniola Mayowa, Publicity Secretary, NNEW. “Thanks to the continued support from ILO, ITC, and Microsoft, we are scaling the impact, empowering a new generation of trainers while directly equipping more entrepreneurs with practical skills to thrive in the digital economy”. The training, scheduled to continue through September 2025, aims to empower over 500 women, providing them with essential skills to navigate and excel in today’s digital landscape. As NNEW continues to expand its footprint in empowering women through innovation, these initiatives serve as a beacon of hope and progress for female entrepreneurs nationwide. Women In Digital Business combines global expertise and local impact, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on guidance to help participants develop customized digitalization plans tailored to their business goals. Now, with this expanded partnership, NNEW is solidifying its role as a leading force in championing digital inclusion for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. About the Partners NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) is a dynamic Network of women entrepreneurs committed to promoting economic empowerment, leadership, and sustainable business practices through advocacy, training, and networking. Women in Digital Business (WIDB) is a global program supporting women entrepreneurs with knowledge and tools for digital transformation. The initiative is jointly supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and Microsoft. Together, these partners are fostering an inclusive digital future where women-led businesses can innovate, grow, and lead at local and global levels. WIDB Training held in some venues in Lagos