The Continental President of Commonwealth Business Women Africa (CBW-Africa), Mrs Ngozi Oyewole, has called on developing countries to emulate the reforms and policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu.
Oyewole made the call during her presentation at the US/Africa Trade and Business Network, Inc. meeting on the sidelines of the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
This was contained in a statement she signed and released on Friday in Abuja.
According to her, Nigeria stands at a decisive turning point, stressing that the push for industrialisation, stronger value chains and deeper trade integration is not just urgent but essential.
She explained that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presented an opportunity for global competitiveness while fostering regional collaboration.
*“I must commend the Federal Government of Nigeria for the bold steps already taken; especially the tax reviews, the suspension of the four per cent FOB levy and the progressive reforms to ease the cost of doing business.
Special recognition goes to the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, whose collaboration with the Director-General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, has injected fresh energy into the industrial sector.
As Chair of the Sectoral Group on Wood and Wood Products, I can affirm that these reforms are not abstract, they are working.
I urge you all: borrow from what Nigeria is doing, because it is working. We are beginning to see growth, backward integration and renewed investor confidence.
This is the type of model Africa needs; practical, inclusive and results-driven,”* she said.
Oyewole emphasised that women are the backbone of trade and industry.
According to her, CBW Africa, now active in more than 25 countries, demonstrates daily that women are not just contributors but also nurturers, builders and multipliers of value.
“Truly, who can beat the determination, resilience and creativity of an African woman entrepreneur?” she asked.
On bridge building, Oyewole, who is also Vice Chair of the Governing Board of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), commended Mr Gbenga Omotayo, Founder of the US/Africa Trade and Business Network.
*“Gbenga is more than a leader; he is a beacon of hope for the Diaspora and a tireless worker, a connector of opportunities and a true bridge between Africa and the world.
He doesn’t just dream of Africa’s global relevance, he labours day and night to make it real. He is the proof that one who is visionary can ignite many and that Africans in the Diaspora are our strength, not our distance,”* she said.
She concluded by stressing that the future of trade and industrialisation in Africa lies in harnessing human capital, empowering women and building strong value chains capable of competing globally.
“If we unite on this path, the challenges of today will become the opportunities of tomorrow. Together, let us rise, build and trade, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come,” she added.
(NAN)