The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEM Insurance Plc, Andrew Ikekhua, has called on Nigerian female entrepreneurs to transition from subsistence business models toward the technical discipline required to build global conglomerates.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony for the 2026 ‘She Means Business’ contest in Lagos, Ikekhua emphasised that long-term success in an increasingly complex economic landscape is anchored on institutional discipline rather than mere survival.
“Please keep pushing boundaries, keep breaking barriers, and keep striving. Starting and keeping a business running smoothly is hardly ever easy, especially in today’s environment. But you are capable of greatness. Your strength inspires others, and your voice matters,” Ikekhua advised.
The event served as the climax of the third edition of the ‘She Means Business’ initiative, a flagship gender-focused programme designed to provide tangible support to women-owned enterprises.
After a rigorous selection process, three outstanding entrepreneurs were awarded cash grants of N250,000 each to upscale their operations.
The 2026 winners include Dorcas Egbedara Opeoluwa (Perfume Production), Chisom Kanu (Footwear Merchant) and Eniola Robert Mary (Fashion Design).
Addressing the beneficiaries, Ikekhua encouraged them to utilise their capital wisely, drawing parallels to industrial giants who transformed small seed capital into multi-trillion-naira conglomerates.
He noted that while the grants serve as a financial catalyst, the ultimate safeguard for any business is a robust professional framework.
“To ensure business continuity and survival, it is important that you secure your business against predictable and unforeseen risks that may occur during business operations. At NEM Insurance, we offer products and services that mitigate business risk,” he remarked.
The insurer highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader commitment to fostering economic growth through women’s empowerment and financial inclusion.
The General Manager of Corporate Services, Mrs Mojisola Teluwo, reiterated that the programme moves beyond “mere applause” for women.
“The ‘She Means Business’ contest is our practical way of inspiring inclusion. We recognise the pivotal role women play in the economy, and we are proud to provide this financial catalyst to help visionary women turn their business aspirations into reality,” Teluwo stated.
The ceremony concluded with a charge to all women to embrace the professional structures and insurance coverage necessary to move beyond grassroots levels. For the winners, the gesture represents more than just funding; it is a vote of confidence in their potential to shape Nigeria’s economic future.
