For over four decades, the Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN) has consistently championed women's economic empowerment, creating lasting impact across Nigeria's 774 local government areas. The organization has dedicated itself to lifting women out of poverty, fostering entrepreneurship, and amplifying female voices in governance processes.
Continuing a Powerful Legacy
The association's remarkable journey began with the vision of its late founder, Bisi Ogunleye, whose single idea focused on women's self-reliance has blossomed into a nationwide movement transforming lives from grassroots communities upward. Today, this important work continues under the leadership of her daughter, Princess Adesola Ogunleye, who has not only preserved her mother's vision but expanded it to address the challenges of modern economic realities.
National Entrepreneurship Summit 2025
This November marks a significant milestone as COWAN prepares to host its inaugural National Entrepreneurship Summit and Exhibition (NESE) 2025 in partnership with MoMo Payment Service Bank. Scheduled for November 18 to 20, 2025 in Lagos, the summit carries the powerful theme "Empowering Entrepreneurs, Transforming Communities and Driving National Development."
Princess Ogunleye emphasized that the event celebrates Nigerian resilience and innovation. "This Summit and Exhibition honor Nigerian enterprise, particularly the creativity and strength of our women and youth," she stated. "For 43 years, COWAN has supported women's progression from micro-level enterprises to becoming major contributors in their communities. With MoMo PSB as our title sponsor and ambassador for NESE 2025, we demonstrate that digital innovation and entrepreneurship represent the twin pillars for building inclusive prosperity in Nigeria."
Tangible Impact Across Nigeria
COWAN's story reflects substantial, measurable impact throughout Nigeria. From market women in Osun State to cooperative leaders in Kano, the organization's cooperative model has facilitated savings, provided loan access, and built small businesses from the ground up. The association has trained women in agricultural techniques, promoted family planning and health awareness programs, and encouraged increased political participation among women.
Mrs. Dorcas James, Vice National Coordinator of COWAN and Chairperson of the NESE 2025 Planning Committee, described this new chapter as both timely and strategic. "This represents our first summit of this kind in our 43-year history," she noted. "It arrives at a crucial moment when Nigerian entrepreneurship requires significant support, especially among women. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has created new trade opportunities within Africa. Our women possess products capable of competing globally, and this summit aims to help them scale up and access new markets. This isn't merely an event—it's a movement toward a stronger, more competitive economy led by women."
James confirmed that the summit will become an annual occurrence, ensuring continuous engagement and visibility for Nigerian entrepreneurs. "We're taking deliberate steps to connect innovators with entrepreneurs, introduce technology to enhance their products, and help them compete beyond Nigeria's borders. This initiative focuses on positioning women as economic players rather than dependents," she added.
Personal Transformations Through COWAN
Lagos State Coordinator of COWAN, Mrs. Akinwande Eunice Munminola, highlighted that the organization's interventions create deeply personal transformations. Having spent decades as an agricultural extension agent, she witnessed firsthand how COWAN altered the life trajectories of countless women.
"During my time with the Lagos State Government, I gathered women together and taught them improved farming and processing technologies," she recalled. "However, most needed financial support. That's when I discovered COWAN. Through COWAN, these women began saving, obtaining small loans, and expanding their businesses. Some who started with minimal resources have become established entrepreneurs. The government is making efforts, certainly, but COWAN complements those efforts in ways that genuinely touch lives."
The upcoming summit promises to build upon this legacy, creating new pathways for women's economic empowerment and community transformation throughout Nigeria.
