The Association of Nigeria Women Business Network (ANWBN) is pleased to announce the election of Otunba Gbemisola Oduntan as its new National Coordinator, following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on October 17, 2024. As the former Deputy National Coordinator 1, Oduntan assumes leadership with a focus on enhancing nationwide capacity-building programs aimed at equipping women with the skills needed to become more industrious.
In her inaugural address, Oduntan emphasized the association’s plans to expand training initiatives, particularly in e-commerce and digitalization. “Through the adoption of modern technology, we can open new avenues for women to scale their businesses and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace,” she stated.
The two-day ANWBN 2024 Summit, held at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja-Lagos, centered on the theme “Future-Ready Entrepreneurs: SkillUp to ScaleUp.” It gathered women entrepreneurs and stakeholders to discuss the critical role of digitalization and training in sustaining women’s businesses.

Her Excellency, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State and Chairperson of the ANWBN Summit 2024, underscored the essential nature of women’s empowerment to sustainable development, citing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework. “SDG 5 highlights gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as a cornerstone for poverty alleviation. These are not just global goals but calls to action that impact our communities directly,” Mrs. Abiodun remarked.
She also reflected on the rapid pace of technological advancements and the challenges many women face in keeping up with these changes. “The digital economy has transformed how we do business, yet many women still encounter barriers in accessing the internet or utilizing e-commerce and online marketing,” she said, urging women to embrace lifelong learning and adaptability.
ANWBN’s outgoing National Coordinator, Mrs. Angela Ajala, celebrated the organization’s achievements during her tenure, noting the coalition’s growth to over 75 associations, representing five million women across Nigeria. She reiterated the importance of collaboration and continuous growth: “Scaling up requires more than passion. It demands knowledge, expertise, and strong partnerships that will help us overcome limitations.”
The Summit also provided a platform for women to showcase their products, from textiles and cosmetics to jewelry and footwear, fostering both visibility and business opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Among the esteemed guests was Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, who contributed her expertise to the discussions on women’s empowerment.
As ANWBN moves forward under Otunba Gbemisola Oduntan’s leadership, the organization remains committed to empowering Nigerian women through advocacy, policy reform, and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring that they remain future-ready in an ever-changing global landscape.