The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Delta State Chapter, at the weekend, convened its International Women’s Day Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026, with a resounding call on women to embrace self-worth, speak up against societal ills, and drive positive change.
The event, themed “Give to Gain: Rights, Justice – Action for All Women and Girls,” held at Tosenat 3 Arena in Sapele on March 21, 2026, drew dignitaries from across the country, including royal fathers and captains of industry.
Chairman of NASME Delta and Chief Host, Judith Nwachukwu, led the initiative, while speakers at the event included Augusta Anyanwu Egbom, CSP Temi Agbede, and Prophetess Fanny Ekpekurede. The event was chaired by Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director of Tantita Security Services.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the session, CSP Temi Agbede underscored the essence of the theme, stressing that giving back to society ultimately benefits all. According to her, “when you give to the system, you will definitely have a lot to benefit from.”
She warned against silence in the face of wrongdoing, noting that early intervention could prevent wider societal damage. “When you give every child a voice, you make them feel relevant… but when you keep quiet when things are going wrong, it will affect all of us,” she said, urging citizens to “unmute their voices” in building a better nation.
On women empowerment, Agbede advised young girls to develop self-belief and independence. “They should believe in themselves and their self-worth… not think it is a man that must provide everything for them,” she added, calling for a shift toward contribution and active participation in nation-building.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, emphasized self-empowerment as the foundation for societal impact. “You cannot empower others if you have not empowered yourself. The first empowerment is to be yourself,” he stated.
Warredi further highlighted the dangers of ignoring societal issues, noting that problems left unchecked often escalate. He also pointed to NASME as a strategic platform for entrepreneurs, saying its networking strength provides access to opportunities individuals may not attain alone.
He cautioned against peer pressure and the illusion of success driven by social media. “There is a lot of fake life out there,” he said, urging parents to monitor what their children consume and to instill discipline and strong values.
Explaining the inspiration behind the event, Judith Nwachukwu linked it to International Women’s Day, noting that the programme was designed to make tangible impact. “We cannot remain silent… the goal is impact—real impact,” she said.
She described women as central to societal development, adding, “a woman is a carrier of destiny,” while urging them to live responsibly and avoid destructive lifestyles, stressing that “whatever you sow, you will reap.”
Nwachukwu also encouraged small business owners to leverage NASME for growth. According to her, the association provides access to funding, networking, and markets, noting that, “on your own, you may not achieve much.”
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to deserving individuals, among them Captain Warredi Enisuoh, for his support and commitment to the association. The conference also featured the distribution of grinding machines and other items to selected women, reinforcing the organisers’ commitment to practical empowerment.
The gathering, beyond its ceremonial outlook, delivered a clear message on responsibility, self-development, and collective action—urging women not just to seek empowerment, but to actively shape the future of society.
