In an effort to promote trade relations and women’s economic empowerment, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., recently hosted the Science of Trade Business Reception. The event brought together twenty female entrepreneurs from Nigeria and the diaspora, U.S. government officials, including a representative from the Bureau of African Affairs at the State Department, and media representatives.
The welcoming remarks began with Mrs. Fatima G. Gaji-Bukar, the Embassy’s Head of Chancery. After her remarks, Gbenga Ogunjimi, Founder of the Nigerian Center and the Master of Ceremonies, took the floor and invited Tambra Raye Stevenson, a board member of the Center, to speak. She concluded the welcoming segment by offering additional remarks and acknowledging the visiting entrepreneurs.
The convener of the Science of Trade (SOT) platform then gave context to the mission behind the initiative and its journey to Washington, D.C. “I am here with Nigerian gold, in fact diamonds. They are exceptional women doing amazing things and making Nigeria proud. We are from a platform called Science of Trade. It started last year in Nigeria,” she said. She explained the selection process of the 20 female entrepreneurs and their purpose in the U.S. market. “We are here to expand markets, here to learn, seek partnership and understand the local market here. We are here to network.” She recognized the contribution of all event partners. She expressed appreciation to Will Stevens, former U.S. Consul General in Lagos, Nigeria, and now at the Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. State Department, for his continued support in Nigeria and in the U.S.
Taking the stage, Gbenga Ogunjimi introduced the Nigerian Center as “the very first immigrant Nigerian community center located in the Nation’s capital.” He highlighted the Center’s commitment to systemic change and its advocacy work, mentioning their involvement in legislative issues concerning Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Special Student Relief (SSR), as well as the recent introduction of a bill expressing the need to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, and for other purposes. He also briefly invited Eze Okwudo, a real estate entrepreneur and board member of the Nigerian Center, to greet the guests.
Several entrepreneurs shared their experiences and goals for the trade mission:
Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, said, “I have been an entrepreneur since I was 18 years old. It has been a journey and story of resilience, a lot of hard work, commitment, and a lot of belief in not only what we are doing but a belief in Nigeria as a country. Good quality can come from Nigeria, and that is what we have achieved.” She added, “I am happy to be part of the delegation. Nigeria is a beautiful country; it has a lot of potential, a lot of challenges, but these challenges are the things that bring the opportunities. Join us, collaborate with us, and you won’t regret it. We are here, and we are ready, and we have extremely good quality.”
Fashion entrepreneur Ejiro Amos Tafiri, originator of the Ejiro Amos Tafiri (E.A.T.) brand, followed by introducing her luxury fashion business. “I run and I am building one of Africa’s premier luxury brands. We create cultural but contemporary clothing. We want to tell the African story from a different perspective.” She credited Mrs. Ogunlesi’s journey as an inspiration to her.
Morin Obaweya, Founder and Creative Director of Morin O. Designs Limited, discussed the importance of storytelling through design. “Morin O is a contemporary leather design and manufacturing brand. We are here to tell our stories through our leather accessories. The future of African fashion is now. This is the time we are set to share our stories of meaning, heritage, and craftsmanship. Our businesses are geared to be powered by innovation, technology, and beauty. We are here to build networks. Come join us. Let us make it a win-win for both markets…”
Agricultural entrepreneur Olusola Sowemimo, Founder of Ope Farms, shared a personal story that led her back to Nigeria. “I have come a full circle. It was a cancer conference in California in 2013 where I discovered I could go back home to Nigeria to start an organic farm. It was tough and it was rough. But 12 years after we are standing. I am back again, but this time, I am here with 19 other powerhouses with different products….we need partnership, investment, and distributors.”
Adding to the conversation, Queen Uwabuofu, Founder and Creative Director of Clove Kids International, spoke about promoting identity and representation through toys. “We create handcrafted African dolls using eco-friendly and sustainable materials for Africans… to show them the beauty of African diversity… They are produced in Nigeria and by Nigerians.”
Closing remarks came from Omoluabi Tope Adeyoju, a Commissioner on the Maryland Government Commission on African Affairs. He welcomed the delegation and acknowledged familiarity with the work of some of the entrepreneurs. He noted that Maryland has sister city relationships with Ondo State and Calabar, further reinforcing the importance of such people-to-people exchanges.
The reception concluded with traditional Nigerian cuisine as participants networked and explored potential partnerships, offering direct engagement between Nigerian female entrepreneurs ready for global expansion and U.S. stakeholders interested in Africa-led innovation and trade opportunities.
