Women-focused banking platform SARA By Wema has selected Enatta Foundation founder, Mrs Adi Okuyelu, as one of the mentors for its 2026 mentorship programme aimed at supporting personal growth, entrepreneurship, career development, and skills enhancement for women and young professionals.

The announcement was made through a LinkedIn post published by Enatta Foundation, which described the appointment as a significant step in expanding mentorship opportunities for underserved communities.

According to the Foundation, Mrs Okuyelu’s selection reflects her years of work supporting women and vulnerable groups through empowerment initiatives and community development programmes.

“Mama Enatta’s work with women in underserved communities aligns perfectly with Sara by Wema’s mission to unlock potential and create sustainable growth,” the Foundation said in the post.

The organisation added:

“From riverine communities to boardrooms, we believe that when you invest in someone’s potential, you transform entire communities.”

Why the mentorship programme matters

SARA By Wema, a women-focused initiative of Wema Bank, has continued to position itself as a platform for female empowerment, financial inclusion, leadership training, and entrepreneurship support across Nigeria.

Industry analysts say mentorship programmes have become increasingly important as young entrepreneurs and professionals seek guidance, access to networks, and practical career support in a challenging economic climate.

Development experts also note that mentorship initiatives targeting women and underserved communities can help close gaps in leadership representation and economic participation.

Mrs Okuyelu’s inclusion in the programme is expected to bring grassroots development experience into conversations around leadership, enterprise growth, and social impact.

Focus on women, youth empowerment

Enatta Foundation has built a reputation around supporting women and young people in underserved communities through education, advocacy, and empowerment initiatives.

The Foundation said the partnership aligns with its broader mission of transforming lives through opportunity creation and mentorship.

Observers say collaborations between financial institutions and non-profit organisations are becoming more common as businesses increasingly invest in social impact programmes alongside traditional banking services.

Registration details

Interested participants can register for the mentorship programme through the official registration link shared by the Foundation:

Register for the SARA By Wema Mentorship Programme; https://lnkd.in/equEtcCp

What’s next?

The mentorship programme is expected to feature sessions on leadership, entrepreneurship, career development, and personal growth throughout 2026.

Participants are also expected to gain access to networking opportunities, mentorship circles, and industry insights from experienced professionals across sectors.

Rite Foods Limited has called for stronger support systems for families and children as the world marks the 2026 International Day of Families.

The Nigerian food and beverage company said inequality, limited access to opportunities, and poor child welfare remain major challenges affecting many households across the country.

This year’s International Day of Families is themed “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing”, with global attention focused on how economic and social disparities continue to shape the lives of children and families.

Speaking during the commemoration, Rite Foods Managing Director Seleem Adegunwa said stronger families are essential for national growth and long-term stability.

“Families are at the heart of every society. When access to nutrition, education, healthcare, and opportunity becomes unequal, children are often the most affected. At Rite Foods, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, thrive, and dream bigger, regardless of background,” he said.

The company said it remains committed to producing products that support Nigerian families while staying connected to the realities faced by consumers amid economic pressures.

Rite Foods manufactures products including Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, Fearless Energy Drinks, Sosa Fruit Drink, Bigi Premium Table Water, Rite Spicy sausages, Bigi Beef sausages, and Bigi Flex sausages.

Why it matters

Nigeria continues to face economic challenges driven by inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs, placing increased pressure on households and caregivers.

Experts say child wellbeing is closely tied to access to nutrition, healthcare, education, and stable family support systems — areas many low-income families struggle to maintain.

Corporate organisations have increasingly positioned themselves as stakeholders in social development through sustainability initiatives, community support programmes, and advocacy campaigns linked to global observances.

Rite Foods said its broader mission extends beyond food and beverages to include people-focused initiatives and responsible business practices.

Calls for collective action

The company’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ekuma Eze, said tackling inequality requires collaboration between businesses, communities, and policymakers.

“Real progress happens when businesses, communities, and policymakers work together. At Rite Foods, we understand that supporting families goes beyond the products we make. It is about contributing to an environment where people feel supported, included, and empowered to succeed,” he said.

Industry analysts say private sector participation in social development has become increasingly important as governments and institutions face growing demands on public resources.

Social advocates also argue that investment in child welfare and family support can help reduce poverty, improve education outcomes, and strengthen community resilience.

Corporate social responsibility under scrutiny

Across Africa, companies are facing growing pressure to demonstrate measurable social impact beyond profits.

Analysts note that consumers, especially younger demographics, increasingly expect brands to engage with social issues such as education, youth empowerment, healthcare access, and family welfare.

For companies operating in Nigeria’s highly competitive consumer goods sector, social engagement is also becoming part of brand reputation and public trust.

Rite Foods said empowering families ultimately contributes to stronger communities and a more sustainable future.

What’s next

Observers say conversations around inequality and child wellbeing are likely to remain central throughout 2026 as governments, businesses, and civil society groups respond to widening economic gaps.

The International Day of Families, observed annually by the United Nations, is designed to promote awareness of issues affecting families worldwide and encourage policies that improve family welfare.

Momentum Trading Enterprises, organisers of the upcoming Eko International Trade Expo, have sought strategic collaboration with the Consulate General of the Benin Republic as preparations intensify for the multi-sectoral trade exhibition aimed at deepening regional commerce across West Africa.

The meeting, described as a courtesy visit to the Consulate General of the Benin Republic, focused on strengthening bilateral trade ties between Nigeria and Benin Republic while leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Officials at the meeting discussed investment opportunities, cross-border trade cooperation, SME development, logistics, and the role of regional partnerships in driving economic growth.

The organisers also requested official endorsement and support from the Benin Republic for the trade fair, including the creation of a dedicated Benin country pavilion and mobilisation of investors and businesses from the country.

Why the Expo Matters

Founder and Managing Director of Momentum Trading Enterprises, Henry Anwansedo, described the Eko International Trade Expo as a “premier multi-sectoral trade platform” designed to strengthen economic cooperation between Africa and international markets.

He said Lagos was chosen because of its strategic role as West Africa’s commercial hub and gateway for international trade.

“The event is built on three pillars; growth, partnership, and innovation,” Mr Anwansedo said.

According to him, the five-day exhibition will focus on SME development, African regional trade, women in trade, youth innovation, and the green economy.

Organisers expect more than 5,000 participants, including investors, business leaders, government officials, and entrepreneurs from across West Africa.

The event will also feature policy discussions on easing cross-border trade, sector-focused investment roundtables, and business networking sessions targeting industries such as agribusiness and automobile trade.

Nigeria-Benin Trade Relations in Focus

A major highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on strengthening Nigeria-Benin economic relations.

Mr Anwansedo said current bilateral trade between both countries is estimated at more than $100m annually, adding that Benin Republic remains a critical gateway for regional commerce.

He noted that the proposed partnership could expand market access for small businesses, attract foreign direct investment, and improve trade movement through the Benin route.

The organisers stressed that stronger cooperation between both countries could support the broader objectives of AfCFTA by improving intra-African trade and reducing barriers to commerce.

Consulate Explains Approval Process

Officials from the Benin Republic Consulate welcomed the proposal but explained that official participation would require internal consultations and approvals through diplomatic channels.

The delegation included Vice Consul, Mr Allale; Consular Attaché,  Mr Kassa; Durand Attaché, Mrs Odette; and Protocol Officer, Mr Afolabi Kaaku.

During discussions, consular officials explained that business proposals received by the mission are typically reviewed and forwarded through a chain of command involving the Consul General, and eventually the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Security, Investment and Economic Benefits

Organisers said preparations for the expo involve collaboration with multiple Nigerian government agencies and security institutions.

They listed support structures involving the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, state commerce ministry, the police, DSS, army, and local security agencies.

The organisers argued that the expo could generate direct economic benefits for Lagos through hotel bookings, temporary employment, tourism activities, and increased business transactions during the event period.

Officials also noted that international exhibitions often stimulate local economies by attracting investors and increasing visibility for SMEs.

Industry analysts say trade exhibitions have become increasingly important as African countries seek to reduce dependence on imports from outside the continent and expand regional manufacturing capacity.

Focus on SMEs and Youth Innovation

A central part of the expo’s agenda is supporting SMEs and emerging entrepreneurs.

Momentum Trading Enterprises said sessions dedicated to women-led businesses, youth innovation, and green economy solutions are expected to create opportunities for startups and small enterprises seeking regional expansion.

Experts say such initiatives could become increasingly relevant as African economies push for digital transformation, industrial growth, and sustainable development.

What Happens Next

The Benin Republic Consulate said details of the proposal and discussions would be formally reported to higher authorities for consideration.

Any official endorsement or participation, officials explained, would depend on approvals from the appropriate government institutions.

Meanwhile, Momentum Trading Enterprises said preparations for the Eko International Trade Expo are continuing, with organisers optimistic about stronger regional participation and expanded international partnerships.