By Our Reporter
The Country Women’s Association of Nigeria (COWAN) has successfully empowered businesswomen and farmers in Ondo State at the National Entrepreneurship Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Ondo State.
The event held on February 26, 2026, at Omolayo Estate, Akure stressed COWAN’s commitment at expanding access to finance, strengthening rural cooperatives, and building sustainable enterprises among women across Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
The summit, themed “Empowering Entrepreneurs, Transforming Communities, and Driving National Development,” brought together rural women farmers, micro and small-scale entrepreneurs, cooperative societies, financial institutions, and government representatives to further promote financial inclusion, agricultural development, and enterprise growth.
COWAN President, Princess Adesola Ogunleye, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen rural economies by empowering farmers and grassroots entrepreneurs.
She stressed that sustainable national development can only be achieved when women particularly those in rural communities have access to finance, capacity building opportunities, and formal business structures.
The event provide avenues for financial advisory services, loan access guidance, digital banking onboarding, agricultural value chain support, and enterprise development insights to participants.
The National Entrepreneurship Summit & Exhibition 2026 (Ondo State Edition) stands as a significant milestone in advancing grassroots economic empowerment and driving inclusive national development.
At the end of the summit, 60 entrepreneurs were supported with free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) business registration.
The initiative which was sponsored by FCMB and MoMo Payment Service Bank, aims at formalizing small businesses and improve access to structured financing, grants, and market opportunities.
Beneficiaries expressed excitement at the opportunity for having the opportunity to transit from informal operations to legally recognized enterprises, hence enabling them to reposition themselves for long-term growth and sustainability.
Notable dignitaries and key stakeholders, including: Hon. Olufowose Christianah – The Chairperson of Ose Oredegbe LCDA, Chairman waste management board – Hon. Olayinka Alabi, Representatives of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture, Financial institution executives and cooperative leaders attended the summit.
Participants commended President of COWAN for the transformative and impactful initiative, describing the summit as a turning point for their businesses and farming enterprises.