By Yemisi Suleiman

Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi the founder of the Upcoming Africa Fashion Week London, played host to the Eloy Foundation Awards Business Shower, held for women Entrepreneurs in Ile-Ife Osun state, last Saturday. 

The Chief Convener of the Event and Founder, Eloy Awards Foundation, Dr. Tewa Onasanya in her remark, expressed appreciation for Olori Aderonke’s  support and partnership in hosting the event.

Speaking on the topic, “Cultivating the Mindset for Success”, Onasanya stressed the ultimate secret of success on the mind. She urged women in business to always prepare their mind and be determined to break through in whatever they do.

Addressing the gathering, Olori Aderonke who is also the Founder, Adire Oodua Textile Hub, Ile-Ife; Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, London and Cofounder, Africa Fashion Week Brazil, commended the Convener, Dr. Tewa for putting the event together and particularly for taking it to Ile-Ife the source. 

The foremost Queen while sharing her personal experience in her speech titled “Brand Visibility for Small Businesses” urged aspiring female entrepreneurs never to be overshadowed by their passion.

She noted that it is important for young starters to do thorough research and have a clear view of the business ideas they want to venture into in order to fully prepare  for possible challenges.

On her contribution to women and youths empowerment, Olori Aderonke unveiled opportunities available at her Adire Oodua Textile Hub in Ile-Ife among other women centred initiatives.

According to her, the Hub has with the support of her husband, the Arole Oduduwa, empowered over 5000 women and youths through its various free training and empowerment programmes.

In her contribution, a representative of First Bank, also a contributor to the event, Dr. Idowu Akintokun, emphasised the need to support female entrepreneurship in the country.

According to Dr Akintokun it is imperative for a Country like Nigeria to have a fair sharing of gender empowerment given the nature of our population distribution.

She noted that her Bank through its FirstGen programme is enabling women in business with business loans of only 9% per annum.

Similarly, The Arole Oduduwa, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the ooni of Ife whom the team paid a courtesy visit to after the event reaffirmed His commitment to always be in support for women empowerment. 

The Ooni who is equally the founder, Queen Moremi Ajasoro International, an initiative geared towards empowering women and youths, commended the team led by the First Lady of Osun State, her excellency Erelu Ngozi Adeleke  for the initiative.

The First Class monarch thanked the First Lady for her presence and roles in supporting women centred initiatives in the state.