The 2023 governorship aspirant of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ogun State, Mrs. Jackie Adunni Kazzim, has charged women in the country to be courageous and involve themselves more in business activities in order to become employers of labour.
Mrs Kazzim argued that if women are afraid to tread in the business world dominated by men, they will not be financially empowered and independent to compete favourably with men in politics.
She gave this charge shortly after she received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the City People Female Entrepreneurs Awards 2025, held at the weekend.
She had become a successful business woman with over 3500 employees on her payroll before she ventured into politics, a feat which greatly accelerated her ascent on the ladder of politics, Kassim stressed, adding that women cannot continue to be at the receiving end, but must strive to empower themselves to become key decision takers in the business world as well as political gladiators who call the shots.
While declaring that the award would spur her to aim higher in business and politics, the former governorship aspirant said she would continue to rally women to participate more in politics to attain more positions in government.
She, however, expressed optimism that with the right mindset, economic empowerment and determination, a woman will soon emerge as the president and Governors in the country.
Earlier in her keynote address, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor and Deputy Director General, Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency, Ms Sola Arobieke, disclosed that Ogun State has made significant strides in fostering an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs.
She said through initiatives such as Oko’wo Dapo Empowerment Scheme, the Gateway Skills Programme and Ogun State Covid -19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, the State has emplaced platforms by which it is equipping women with financial support, training and digital skills in order to compete in the digital economy.
She further urged women entrepreneurs to continue to collaborate and explore new ways to expand access to finance, training and market opportunities.
“I encourage stakeholders present today, government agencies, private investors , financial institutions and development partners to strengthen partnerships that will enable more women to participate in Ogun state’s thriving business ecosystem,” Arobieke submitted.
