Writing by Ali Muhammad Rabi’u;Editing by Abubakar Hamza.
Over one hundred (100) Muslim women entrepreneurs in Kwara state have concluded arrangements to organize a trade fair designed to empower women-led businesses, strengthen local enterprise, and contribute to economic development in the state.
The convener of the group, Fatimah Saliu,stated this while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin on the sideline of the forthcoming Muslimah Entrepreneurs Trade Fair.
She said Muslim women entrepreneurs are committees to change business narrative among women folks dealing in halal (lawful) businesses.
Hajiya Saliu, explained that the women contribute significantly to household income, food security, manufacturing, services, and creative industries across the state.
She lamented that up till now many of these businesses remain informal, unseen, and unsupported.
“This trade fair is not just about buying and selling. It is a purpose-driven platform created to address a real gap we see every day:
women running viable businesses but lacking visibility, structured markets, and access to opportunities that allow them to scale sustainably.
“At this trade fair, over 30,000 participants and attendees will experience a well-organized marketplace that brings together businesses from diverse sectors—food and beverages, fashion, beauty, agro-processing, services, creative industries, and more.
“It will also serve as a space for networking, brand exposure, partnership building, and community engagement”, she said.
Hajiya Saliu, who is also the founder of Baytu Tejmeel/BaytuBillions, maintained that though the initiative is Muslimah-led and values-driven, added that the trade fair is open to all vendors and the general public.
She stressed that the fair would take place before the forthcoming Ramadan season, noting that it is expected to serve purpose of pre-Ramadan, Ramadan and eid el fitri sallah shopping slated between January and February, 2026.
“Our guiding principles are ethical business practices, quality products, professionalism, and inclusivity.
“We are intentional about structure, order, and impact. Our goal is not a one-off event, but the foundation of a recurring economic platform that supports small and medium enterprises, creates employment, and encourages local production”.
She called on policymakers, institutions, and private stakeholders to partner with the women entrepreneurs in amplifying the vision.
Ali Muhammad Rabi’u.
