By Queen Kunde
A new chapter in Nigeria’s drive for women empowerment and national development began in Abuja as the Business Women of Influence for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWI-RHA) was officially launched amid fanfare, high expectations and a resounding call for women to take their rightful place at the forefront of the nation’s transformation.
The landmark event, which attracted political leaders, business executives, traditional rulers, development partners and women leaders from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, signaled the start of a nationwide movement aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, promoting economic inclusion and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Declaring the initiative open, the National Convener and Director-General of BWI-RHA, Mrs. Ngozi Oyewole, described the organisation as far more than a platform for women.
“This is more than the launch of an organisation. It is the birth of a movement that will help shape the future of our nation through the power, creativity and resilience of Nigerian women,” she declared to thunderous applause.
According to Oyewole, the organisation is designed to empower women through mentorship, skills acquisition, strategic partnerships, advocacy and increased access to economic opportunities. She said the initiative would focus particularly on connecting women in rural communities with opportunities often concentrated in urban centres.
She explained that BWI-RHA would champion innovation, strengthen women-owned enterprises, encourage greater female participation in leadership and governance, and advocate policies that improve the welfare of women, children and vulnerable groups.
The organisation also pledged support for child protection programmes, safer communities and stronger institutions while expressing solidarity with families of missing children across the country.
In a strong endorsement of the current administration, Oyewole commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as courageous steps toward rebuilding Nigeria’s economy and securing long-term prosperity.
“He never promised an easy road. He promised leadership, courage and Renewed Hope,” she said.
She also praised First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her unwavering commitment to women empowerment through the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that her interventions continue to transform lives across Nigeria.
The emotional highpoint of the event came when Oyewole called on Nigerian women to rise and actively participate in shaping the country’s future.
“Let history record that when Nigeria called, women answered. When hope was needed, women rose. And when national transformation required partners, women stepped forward,” she said.
Adding her voice, the President of the National Council of Women’s Societies of Nigeria (NCWS), Princess Edna Azura, described the launch as a significant milestone in advancing the cause of women and strengthening their contribution to national development.
She renewed calls for increased female representation in governance and decision-making, stressing that women remain underrepresented in elective positions despite their immense contributions to society.
The Matron of BWI-RHA and Iyalode of Lagos, Chief Mrs. Bintu Fatima Tinubu, emphasized the importance of grassroots empowerment and inclusion.
She paid glowing tribute to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her decades of service to women, youths and vulnerable Nigerians, noting that women must move beyond celebrating leadership to becoming active participants in nation-building.
“We must become partners in progress, ambassadors of peace, promoters of enterprise and champions of national unity,” she said.
Chief Tinubu expressed particular concern for women in rural communities who struggle daily to support their families, stressing that the organisation must serve as a bridge connecting opportunities to every woman regardless of location or circumstance.
She also called attention to vulnerable groups including widows, children, persons with disabilities and struggling families, insisting that a compassionate society must support those unable to help themselves.
“As your Matron, I pledge my support, my encouragement and my prayers for the success of this movement. Together, we can create opportunities, inspire hope and contribute significantly to the advancement of women and the progress of Nigeria,” she stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, described the launch as a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest for economic empowerment, inclusive leadership and sustainable development.
He commended the leadership of BWI-RHA for creating a platform that recognizes the critical role women play in driving economic growth, job creation and social transformation.
According to him, the vision of BWI-RHA aligns closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places strong emphasis on economic inclusion, social justice, human capital development and equal opportunities for all Nigerians.
He stressed that meaningful national development can only be achieved when women, youths, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are fully included in governance and economic activities.
Hon. Isa assured the organisation that its efforts and achievements would be communicated directly to President Tinubu, whom he said appreciates the important work being done by the group in promoting entrepreneurship, advocacy and national development.
He further urged the organisation to continue championing programmes that deliberately include women with disabilities, young female entrepreneurs and marginalized communities.
As the curtains fell on the historic gathering, one message echoed clearly across the hall: Nigerian women are ready to lead, innovate, create wealth and help shape a stronger and more prosperous nation.
With delegates departing Abuja energized and inspired, the launch of BWI-RHA appears set to spark a nationwide mobilisation that could redefine women’s participation in business, governance and national development.
For many participants, the event was not merely the unveiling of a new organisation it was the beginning of a movement determined to transform hope into opportunity and ambition into national progress.
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