By Queen Kunde
A powerful new women-led movement aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs and expanding economic opportunities across Nigeria was launched in Abuja on Thursday, with a strong pledge to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The group, known as the Business Women of Influence for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWI-RHA), said it would mobilise women nationwide to play a bigger role in economic growth, leadership and national development.
Speaking at the launch, National Convener and Director-General, Mrs. Ngozi Oyewole, described the initiative as more than just an organisation.
“Today is not just the launch of an organisation. It is the birth of a movement that will help shape Nigeria’s future through the power of women,” she declared before an audience of political leaders, business executives, traditional rulers and women representatives from across the country.
According to Oyewole, BWI-RHA will focus on supporting women-owned businesses through mentorship, skills training, strategic partnerships and advocacy. She said the movement would also help women gain better access to finance and business opportunities, particularly those in rural communities.
“Our mission is to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage innovation, promote leadership and advocate policies that improve the lives of women, children and vulnerable Nigerians,” she said.
The group also threw its weight behind President Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as necessary steps towards rebuilding the nation’s economy.
Oyewole praised the President for showing courage in implementing difficult policies aimed at securing long-term growth.
“President Tinubu never promised an easy journey. What he promised was leadership, courage and renewed hope,” she said.
She also commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for championing women empowerment through the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that the programme continues to positively impact women, youths and vulnerable groups across the country.
Beyond economic issues, BWIRHA pledged support for child protection, safer communities and stronger institutions. The organisation also expressed solidarity with families of missing children and vowed to support initiatives that promote child safety and public awareness.
The event attracted prominent political figures, government officials, business leaders and women delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, marking the beginning of what organisers described as a nationwide mobilisation effort.
In a message of inspiration, Oyewole urged Nigerian women to see themselves as drivers of change.
“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.
Also speaking at the event, President of the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna Azura, hailed the launch as a major step forward for women in Nigeria.
She called for greater unity among women and renewed demands for increased female representation in governance, noting that women remain underrepresented in elective offices and the National Assembly.
The NCWS urged women across the country to support one another, uphold family values and continue to pray for peace, stability and national progress.
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