Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday launched the Cross River Market Women Forum in Calabar, reaffirming her commitment to empowering women traders and strengthening grassroots economic development across the state.
The initiative is designed to support women engaged in commerce by promoting entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and sustainable business growth. It also seeks to provide a platform for market women to access opportunities that can improve their livelihoods and expand their economic participation.
The launch attracted government officials, women leaders, market associations, and other stakeholders committed to advancing women’s empowerment and inclusive economic development.
Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment
Speaking during the launch, the First Lady emphasized the vital role women play in driving local economies and supporting family welfare through their entrepreneurial activities.
She noted that market women contribute significantly to economic growth by sustaining businesses, creating jobs, and ensuring the steady supply of goods and services within communities.
According to her, empowering women with the right support, knowledge, and opportunities will strengthen household incomes and contribute to broader national development.
Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship
The Cross River Market Women Forum is expected to provide a platform for capacity building, networking, and collaboration among female traders across the state.
The initiative seeks to encourage financial literacy, business development, access to opportunities, and entrepreneurship skills that will enable women-owned enterprises to thrive in an increasingly competitive economy.
By supporting small businesses, the programme aims to improve economic resilience and encourage greater participation of women in Nigeria’s growing commercial sector.
Strengthening Inclusive Development
Oluremi Tinubu reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that women at the grassroots are included in national development efforts.
She stressed that empowering women economically contributes directly to poverty reduction, community development, and social stability, as women often reinvest their earnings in the education, healthcare, and welfare of their families.
The First Lady also encouraged collaboration between government agencies, financial institutions, private organisations, and development partners to create more opportunities for women entrepreneurs across the country.
Building a Brighter Future for Women Traders
The launch of the Cross River Market Women Forum reflects a broader commitment to promoting financial inclusion and supporting women-led enterprises through targeted interventions and partnerships.
The initiative is expected to inspire greater entrepreneurship among women while strengthening the capacity of market traders to expand their businesses and improve their standard of living.
As more women gain access to opportunities and economic resources, they will continue to play an even greater role in driving inclusive growth and sustainable development across Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole.
Empowering Communities Through Women
The establishment of the forum represents another step toward recognizing the contributions of women in commerce and creating pathways for their continued success.
By investing in women traders and supporting grassroots entrepreneurship, the initiative reinforces the importance of inclusive economic policies that leave no one behind.
The Cross River Market Women Forum is expected to serve as a catalyst for stronger local economies, improved livelihoods, and greater opportunities for thousands of women working tirelessly to support their families and contribute to national prosperity.
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