Muslim women entrepreneurs to stage Ramadan fair in Kwara
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
No fewer than 100 Muslim women entrepreneurs across Kwara State have put necessary machinery in motion to organise a trade fair designed to empower women-led businesses, strengthen local enterprise, and contribute to economic development in the State.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday on the sideline of forthcoming ‘Muslimah Entrepreneurs Trade Fair’, the Convener of the group, Fatimah Saliu, said that the Muslim women entrepreneurs are committed to changing business narratives among women folks dealing in halal (lawful) businesses.
Saliu, who said that women contribute significantly to household income, food security, manufacturing, services, and creative industries across the State, however, lamented that many of these businesses remain informal, 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.
“At this trade fair, over 30,000 participants and attendees will experience a well-organised marketplace that brings together businesses from diverse sectors—food and beverages, fashion, beauty, agro-processing, services, creative industries, and more.
“It will also serve as a space for networking, brand exposure, partnership building, and community engagement”, she said.
Hajia Saliu, who is also the Founder of Baytu Tejmeel/BaytuBillions, said that though the initiative is Muslimah-led and values-driven, added that the trade fair is open to all vendors and the general public.
She said that the fair would take place before the forthcoming Ramadan season, adding that it is expected to serve purpose of pre-Ramadan, Ramadan and eid el fitri sallah shopping slated between January and February, 2026.
She said: “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 called on policymakers, institutions, and private stakeholders to partner with the women entrepreneurs in amplifying the vision.
“To the people of Kwara State, this trade fair is an invitation to support local businesses, to invest in women-led enterprises, and to participate in building an economy that is inclusive and sustainable.
“We are confident that this initiative will deliver measurable impact—from increased sales and brand visibility for vendors, to stronger business networks and economic activity within our state,” she added.
