Women entrepreneurs partner Taj Bank for halal fair in Kwara

No fewer than 100 Muslim women entrepreneurs in Kwara State have concluded plans to organise a trade fair aimed at empowering women-led businesses, strengthening local enterprise and boosting economic development in the state. The convener, Hajiya Fatimah Saliu, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Ilorin on the sidelines of preparations for the forthcoming Muslimah […]

No fewer than 100 Muslim women entrepreneurs in Kwara State have concluded plans to organise a trade fair aimed at empowering women-led businesses, strengthening local enterprise and boosting economic development in the state.

The convener, Hajiya Fatimah Saliu, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Ilorin on the sidelines of preparations for the forthcoming Muslimah Entrepreneurs Trade Fair.

The event, she said, is being organised in partnership with TAJ Bank and the Kwara State Government.

According to her, the initiative is designed to reshape the business narrative among women engaged in halal and ethical enterprises, while providing them with a structured platform to showcase their products and services.

Hajiya Saliu noted that Muslim women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to household income, food security, manufacturing, services and creative industries across Kwara, but lamented that many of the businesses remain informal, largely 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,” she said.

She explained that the fair is expected to attract over 30,000 participants and visitors, featuring a well organised marketplace that will bring together businesses across diverse sectors including food and beverages, fashion, beauty, agro processing, services and creative industries.

“It will also serve as a space for networking, brand exposure, partnership building and community engagement,” she added.

Hajiya Saliu, who is also the founder of Baytu Tejmeel and BaytuBillions, stressed that although the initiative is Muslimah led and values driven, the trade fair is open to all vendors and members of the general public.
She disclosed that the event would hold ahead of the Ramadan season, and is expected to cater for pre Ramadan, Ramadan and Eid el Fitri shopping.

The fair is slated for between January and February 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 said.

She called on policymakers, institutions and private sector stakeholders to partner with the women entrepreneurs to help amplify the vision and expand its impact.

Speaking on the partnership, the Branch Manager of TAJ Bank, Mr Lanre Gambari, said the bank is collaborating with the organisers to reduce registration fees for participants and provide incentives tied to the event.

He added that TAJ Bank would continue to support initiatives that promote ethical finance and place Muslim women at the forefront of business and entrepreneurship.