The Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade, and Investments hosted a momentous International Women’s Day event on Thursday, 13th March 2025, at the Women Development Centre, Oba Ogunji Road, Pen Cinema, Agege, Lagos.
The theme of this year’s event, “Accelerate Action! Her Commerce, Her Voice,” underscored the urgent need to propel women forward in commerce and leadership.
Among the distinguished guests was Barrister Rekiyah Olufunke Hassan, the Executive Chairperson of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), who graced the occasion as a special guest.
Delivering her keynote address, Barrister Hassan urged the women in attendance to actively engage in learning and skill acquisition, emphasizing that women have long been the driving force behind commerce. She further called upon the government to prioritize financial assistance with low-interest rates for women, invest in skill acquisition programs, and create platforms that foster networking opportunities.
Representing the Commissioner for Commerce, Honourable Mrs. Nana Hauwa Adeeyo, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce, underscored that the event was not merely a celebration of women but a call to action for breaking barriers. She cited the remarkable achievements of trailblazers such as Chief Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, who have shattered glass ceilings in their respective fields.
Several esteemed speakers, including Mrs. Henry Adeshina, Mrs. Adesola Jimi, and Mrs. Oluwatobiloba Sola Abiola, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of empowering women and fostering an environment where they can thrive.
A key highlight of the event was an empowerment initiative, during which three outstanding students—Miss Ibrahim Fatimah, Miss Oyedele Felicia, and Miss Osibajo Bukola—were each awarded the sum of fifty thousand naira (#50,000.00), generously presented by Honourable Mrs. Nana Hauwa Adeeyo and Barrister Rekiyah Olufunke Hassan.
In her closing remarks, Barrister Hassan encouraged women to rise above competition and embrace collaboration, emphasizing the importance of celebrating each other’s talents and achievements.
The event was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to take decisive action in accelerating progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment.
