Hamzat seeks better access to finance for women as Dangote urges entrepreneurs to dream big at Wimbiz
By Eberechi Obinagwam
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has called for improved access to finance, markets and government opportunities for women entrepreneurs, while Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has urged business owners to dream big, take calculated risks and remain focused on their goals.
The duo spoke at the day 1 of the 25th anniversary conference of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), held in Lagos on Thursday.
Speaking on the economic opportunities available to women, Hamzat said women-led businesses must be supported to move beyond survival and achieve sustainable growth.
He noted that although women account for a significant proportion of Nigeria’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, many still face challenges accessing finance.
According to him, the inability of women entrepreneurs to secure capital affects productivity, employment and the country’s economic competitiveness.
Hamzat said the Lagos State Government was committed to widening women’s access to affordable finance, mentorship, business development support and markets.
He also stressed the need to remove administrative and financial barriers that make it difficult for women to operate businesses, adding that traders and small business owners should have clearer information about legitimate government charges and approval processes.
“Women should not have to rely on resilience to overcome barriers that governments can deal with,” he said.
The deputy governor further emphasised the importance of including women in economic decision-making, insisting that they must be involved in shaping policies, accessing opportunities and holding leadership positions in government.
He said women should not be treated as an afterthought in Lagos’ economic strategy but must be among those shaping and benefiting from the state’s development.
On his part, Dangote urged entrepreneurs and business owners to think big, take bold steps and remain focused if they hoped to grow their businesses.
Speaking during a fireside chat moderated by Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, he said entrepreneurs must set ambitious targets and believe in their ability to achieve them.
He cited his experience in building his businesses, particularly the refinery project, as an example of the importance of taking bold decisions and pursuing ambitious goals.
“Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it or it can’t work,” he advised.
Dangote, however, cautioned business owners against venturing into businesses they did not understand, stressing that discipline, sacrifice and focus were essential to success.
“Business does not go with too much enjoyment. You have to make a bit of sacrifice. I’m not saying that you should not enjoy yourself at all, but you must make sure you are very focused on your business. Don’t go to too many parties,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of having a clear mission, describing a business without one as a journey without direction.
Dangote encouraged entrepreneurs not to give up when confronted with difficulties, maintaining that they could achieve significant growth if they remained determined and focused.
He commended WIMBIZ for its good work and urged its members to sustain their efforts and remain bold in their endeavours.
