By Ekunkonye Junior, Abuja
The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANT), Chief Ifeanyi Okonkwo, has hailed the efforts of the Woman Leader, Chief (Mrs) Rachael Adewumi, for organizing a successful year-end gathering for traders in the nation’s capital.
Speaking at the event, Okonkwo emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in the association’s decision-making processes, saying “whatever we are going to do, women must take their place in our organization.”
He announced that NANT FCT will be organizing various events in 2026, coinciding with the electioneering campaign, aimed at moving the association forward.
The Chairman urged members to continue supporting the leadership, morally, spiritually, and financially, and expressed optimism that the association will achieve significant milestones under his leadership.
He also commended the Woman Leader for her dedication and commitment to the association, saying “you people leaving your place to come here, and I know if you treat woman small, you see what she can do.” Okonkwo prayed for God’s continued empowerment and protection for the members, wishing them a prosperous new year.
Also in a goodwill message, prominent member of the Association, Chief Austine Njako, praised the Woman Leader, describing her as an “enigma” and a role model, saying her leadership has given voice to the voiceless and formal recognition to informal traders.
He urged members to emulate her example and actively participate in NANT activities, warning that those who remain dormant risk being left behind.
Njako emphasized the importance of attending NANT meetings, saying “any other meeting is secondary to your NANT meeting” and encouraged members to invite others to join the association.
He also commended the new Chairman for involving women in leadership positions and expressed optimism that more women will be given opportunities to serve.
The speaker cited examples of women leaders, including one who led a protest in Key International Market, and urged members to support and recognize their efforts.
He emphasized that NANT is inclusive and not partisan or tribalistic, saying “we give to the competent person, we give to the person who can lead the traders and carry the heartbeat of the nation.” Njako encouraged members to look forward to 2026, saying it will be a bigger year with many events and opportunities, including the Trainers’ Summit and a football tournament featuring women teams.
In a goodwill message, a prominent member, Chief (Mrs) Chinyere Ogbuehi commended the Woman Leader, Dr. (Mrs) Rachael Adewumi, for her effective leadership and efforts to promote unity among members. She also expressed appreciation to the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, Treasurer, and other leaders for their dedication to the association.
Ogbuehi prayed for the continued success and protection of the association, citing biblical scriptures, and urged members to remain committed to the association’s goals.
She declared that the gathering was a testament to God’s goodness and that it would mark the beginning of greater things for the members, saying “standing here tonight will not be the thing of nothing. It shall be something that God shall grant you rest, all round rest as we go on for our holidays and our rest in this season.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the woman leader expressed gratitude to members for re-electing her, promising to continue working tirelessly for the organization’s growth.
Adewumi urged members to promote peace, love, and unity, and to be prudent and responsible in their spending, especially as the Christmas season approaches.
She emphasized the importance of obeying the laws of the land and supporting the government, wishing members a joyous Christmas and a happy, prosperous new year.
Adewumi’s leadership is expected to further boost NANTs’ efforts to promote the interests of Nigerian traders and contribute to the country’s economic development.
The event also witnessed presentation of an award given to her by the palace of Eze Ndigbo in Lugbe, FCT, HRH J. I. Nwagbara at the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) he organized recently.
