AMWMF-WIN celebrates 40 years with bold empowerment agenda at national convention in Abuja

Women Affairs Minister, National President restate commitment to women empowerment

The Association of Market Women, Men, and Farmers of Nigeria (AMWMF-WIN) held its landmark 2025 National Convention in Abuja over the weekend, drawing delegates from all 774 local government areas and highlighting a renewed national commitment to economic empowerment and financial inclusion for grassroots entrepreneurs.

The event, which also marked the association’s 40th anniversary, was graced by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the National President of the association, Erelu Dr Becky Olubukola.

Both leaders emphasized their unwavering commitment to empowering market women, men, and farmers across the country.

In her keynote address, Minister Imaan said: “Empowerment of Nigerian market women, men, and farmers is our utmost priority. When we speak of women, we are not merely talking about traders — we are speaking of entrepreneurs, mothers, breadwinners, and silent pillars of the economy.”

She also reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to economic diversification through agriculture and trade under the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the role of women in driving the nation’s prosperity.

“This administration continues to place women’s empowerment at the forefront, strongly championed by the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON,” she added.

The Minister paid special tribute to Chief Mrs. Remi Juliana Titilayo, fondly known as Mama Asiwaju, the association’s first matron, for her foundational role since the body’s inception in 1985.

Empowerment Project Launched

One of the major highlights of the convention was the official launch of the Market Women Empowerment Project, aimed at driving financial inclusion, capacity building, and protection for market-based entrepreneurs.

The initiative includes access to microloans, grants, and savings platforms, along with digital literacy training, business mentorship, and market space allocation.

Speaking passionately during the event, National President, Erelu Dr Becky Olubukola, who was also inaugurated as the Asiwaju Oloja of Nigeria, remarked:

“They wake before dawn, carry both their wares and their hopes, and build not just businesses, but legacies. Yet, for far too long, their potential has gone under-recognized, under-supported, and underfunded.

“Through this project, we aim not just to support them, but to uplift them — to give them the tools, training, and access to capital they need to thrive. This is about more than economics. It’s about dignity and giving women the right to dream bigger and lead boldly.”

Strategic Objectives
The convention outlined several goals and benefits of association membership:

Access to Financial Support through cooperative savings, microloans, and emergency funds.

Capacity Building via business training, digital tools, and financial literacy.

Market Access with coordinated stall allocations and bulk purchasing benefits.

Solidarity and Mentorship to build networks and peer support systems.

Protection Against Exploitation, including advocacy and policy support.

A Symbol of Resilience

The 2025 convention also featured the unveiling of the association’s updated logo, reflecting its growing influence and renewed direction.

With over 16 million members nationwide, AMWMF-WIN continues to stand as one of the largest and most organized bodies representing grassroots economic actors in Nigeria. Leaders from across zones, states, and local governments were present, underscoring the significance of the association in shaping local economies and national development.

As the event concluded, applause rang through the hall not just for what has been accomplished in 40 years — but for the vision of what lies ahead.