Muslim women entrepreneurs, under the aegis of Muslimapreneur, on Tuesday announced that scores of Muslim women entrepreneurs in Kwara State are set to organise a trade fair aimed at empowering women-led businesses, strengthening local enterprises, and contributing to the state’s economic development.
Briefing journalists ahead of the three-day fair in Ilorin, the state capital, Fatimah Saliu Adejumoke, founder of Baytu Tejmeel and convener of the group, explained that the Muslim women entrepreneurs are committed to changing the business narrative among women engaged in halal (lawful) enterprises.
Adejumoke, who noted that women contribute significantly to household income, food security, manufacturing, services, and creative industries across the state, however, lamented that yet 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.
Adejumoke, further explained that though the initiative is Muslimah-led and values-driven, adding that the trade fair is open to all vendors and the general public.
She said that the fair would take place before the forthcoming Ramadan season, adding that it is expected to serve purpose of pre-Ramadan, Ramadan and eid el fitri sallah shopping slated 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”.
She called on policymakers, institutions, and private stakeholders to partner with the women entrepreneurs in amplifying the vision.
“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”.
