A group of Muslim women entrepreneurs in Kwara State are preparing to stage a major trade fair aimed at supporting women-led businesses and strengthening local economic activity.
Operating under the platform Muslimapreneur, the organisers said the upcoming event is designed to encourage formal growth among halal (lawful) enterprises while giving small businesses greater exposure across the state.
Convener of the group Baytu Tejmeel founder Fatimah Saliu Adejumoke said the initiative is part of wider efforts to shift how women participate in business.
Adejumoke explained that women already play a crucial role across sectors including household income, food production, manufacturing, services and the creative space, but many still operate informally and struggle to gain visibility or structured support.
“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.
She added that while the initiative is Muslimah-led, it remains open to vendors and members of the public across different backgrounds.
The fair is expected to take place ahead of Ramadan and will double as a pre-Ramadan, Ramadan and eid el fitri sallah shopping period, scheduled between January 30th and February 1st, 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”.
Calling on authorities and private organisations to back the initiative, Adejumoke urged wider collaboration to help expand its reach.
“To the people of Kwara State, this trade fair is an invitation to support local businesses, to invest in women-led enterprises, and to participate in building an economy that is inclusive and sustainable.”
“We are confident that this initiative will deliver measurable impact from increased sales and brand visibility for vendors, to stronger business networks and economic activity within our state”.
