Oyo Govt Backs WCCIMA, Seeks Stronger Partnership to Drive Women-Owned Enterprises

The Oyo State Government has pledged its support and partnership with the Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WCCIMA), South-West, to strengthen women-owned enterprises and accelerate economic development through finance, technology and innovation.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, made the commitment on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while inaugurating the WCCIMA South-West Executive at the ODU’ACCIMA Hall, Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan.

The inauguration, themed “Driving Women’s Enterprise Through Finance, Technology and Innovation,” saw Deaconess Titilayo Cynthia Saka inaugurated as the South-West Coordinator, alongside the unveiling of the new executive team.

WCCIMA South-West covers the six South-West States of Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos, with a mandate to strengthen women’s participation in commerce, industry, agriculture and enterprise development across the region.

Representing the Oyo State Government, Professor Adelabu congratulated Deaconess Cynthia Saka and the newly inaugurated executives, describing finance, technology and innovation as the three critical engines capable of transforming women-owned businesses and strengthening the economy.

He noted that every individual had the potential to become an entrepreneur, stressing that Nigerians possessed talents and skills capable of producing goods and services that could compete favourably with imported products.

The Commissioner urged women entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, technology, branding and improved packaging, noting that these were essential for transforming businesses, increasing competitiveness and accessing wider local and international markets.

According to him, the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope initiative and its economic growth agenda require effective collaboration with State Governments and stakeholders, stressing that Oyo State was ready to work with WCCIMA to ensure that women entrepreneurs in the South-West were not left behind.

He said: “I think we have a lot of things to do together. On behalf of the Oyo State Government, there should be strong synergy. The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment does not have operational fields; they rely on the 36 States. So, whoever refuses to key into the programme will be left out.”

Professor Adelabu further emphasised the importance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to Nigeria’s economic development, urging WCCIMA to help more women move beyond survival businesses to sustainable and growth-oriented enterprises.

He assured the organisation that the Oyo State Government was willing to collaborate with it beyond the inauguration, noting that the three pillars of finance, technology and innovation could provide practical solutions to challenges confronting women-owned businesses.

Speaking at the event, the President of ODU’ACCIMA, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, described the inauguration as more than the assumption of office by an individual, but the beginning of a platform for action, collaboration and economic transformation for women entrepreneurs across the South-West.

He identified access to affordable finance, appropriate technology and innovation as major factors affecting the growth of women-owned businesses.

Olaleye called for stronger partnerships among Government agencies, financial institutions, investors, development partners and the private sector to provide women entrepreneurs with finance, skills, technology, markets and mentorship.

The Guest Speaker, Richmond Ogigai, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of WALLX Africa, provided insights into how technology and digital solutions could transform women-owned businesses.

Ogigai highlighted the importance of technology in improving business operations, strengthening brands, reaching wider markets and competing effectively in the digital economy. He also presented opportunities for WCCIMA members to leverage technology-driven solutions, networking and capacity-building initiatives.

He noted that WALLX Africa’s experience in working with business communities and enterprise groups could provide a useful platform for WCCIMA members to access digital tools, business support, connections and other technology-enabled opportunities that could enhance productivity and growth.

Also speaking, Dr. Ifenaike Sakirat Aderonke, a university lecturer in the Department of Educational Management, Faculty of Education, Lagos State University (LASU), addressed participants on women, enterprise and finance. She highlighted the significant role women play in entrepreneurship and economic development, while encouraging them to strengthen their financial knowledge in areas such as business planning, savings, investment, budgeting and prudent management of business resources.

She stressed that financial knowledge would enable women entrepreneurs to make informed decisions, manage available resources effectively and build businesses capable of attracting and sustaining investment.

Dr. Folasade Olukemi Oke, in her presentation on innovation, encouraged women entrepreneurs to embrace new ideas, improve their products and services and adopt innovative approaches to business development.

She noted that continuous innovation was necessary for businesses to remain relevant, competitive and sustainable in a rapidly changing economic environment.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal inauguration of the WCCIMA South-West executives, during which Professor Adelabu adorned the executives with their official collars.

In a reciprocal gesture, Deaconess Cynthia Saka presented Professor Adelabu with a WCCIMA Patron’s badge and a gift on behalf of the organisation in appreciation of his support and presence at the ceremony.

The event brought together leaders and members of the organised private sector, representatives of Chambers of Commerce, women entrepreneurs, development partners and other stakeholders.

The Oyo State Government’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships that will enable women-led businesses to access finance and markets, adopt technology, innovate, create employment and contribute more significantly to the economic development of the State and the nation.