On Saturday, August 9, Amstel Malta, in partnership with the First Lady of Enugu State, Nkechinyere Mbah, joined scores of women to celebrate one of the most powerful traditions in Igbo culture: the annual Women’s August Meeting (Nzuko Umu Nwanyi).
Held at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu, the event marked a vibrant celebration of Igbo women’s leadership, resilience, and cultural heritage. The August Meeting, a revered tradition in Igbo culture, is more than a reunion—it is a powerful homecoming that honours the strength and unity of umu nwanyi Igbo, who serve as the backbone of their communities and continue to hold the social fabric of their towns together.
This year, Amstel Malta stood out with its campaign message, “Amstel Malta Celebrates Our Women”, recognizing Igbo women not only as mothers and wives but as cultural custodians, nation builders, and everyday heroines. In collaboration with Zaron Cosmetics, Amstel Malta gifted attendees with makeup essential kits, ensuring they felt confident and looked their best throughout the festivities.
The Office of the First Lady of Enugu State, represented by Honourable Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, also honored four distinguished women with the Humanitarian Impact and Service Recognition Award for their outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes.
The awardees included Joy Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager (East), Nigerian Breweries Plc; Rt. Hon Jane Eneh, Chief Whip/Deputy Minority Leader, Enugu State House of Assembly; Dame Rita Mbah, Executive Chairman, Enugu State Tourism Board; and Virginia Akpa, Former DSS Director, Enugu State.
“At Amstel Malta, we believe greatness lives in everyday moments, and for generations, Igbo women have embodied that greatness in countless ways,” remarked Egolum.
“This year’s August Meeting was more than a calendar date; it was a moment to shine a light on their leadership, resilience, legacy and the far-reaching influence they have in their families and communities. Receiving this award from the First Lady is a deeply personal honor and a reflection of Nigerian Breweries Plc’s core values.”
Also commenting on the partnership, Aderinsola Adetunji, Head of Business Development at Zaron Cosmetics, said, “The August Meeting is a proud expression of womanhood and tradition. We wanted every woman to feel like the best version of herself. Partnering with Amstel Malta allowed us to be part of something truly meaningful. We’re glad to have been part of this cultural moment, and we look forward to celebrating more women in the seasons to come.”
Through its presence at the 2025 Women’s August Meeting, Amstel Malta reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating the enduring contributions of Igbo women to leadership through their resilience, making this season a moment to recognize and honour their impact now, not later.
[13:15, 16/08/2025] Editor Tokumbo: WEIDE Fund: Minister Applauds Tinubu, Okonjo-Iweala, ITC for Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key international partners for their support in launching the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a landmark initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian women entrepreneurs through international trade and digital innovation.
In a statement on Friday by her Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Mr Jonathan Eze, the Minister praised President Tinubu’s commitment to empowering women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the WEIDE Fund as a strategic step toward positioning Nigerian women at the forefront of global commerce.
“President Tinubu has once again demonstrated his unwavering support for Nigerian women-led enterprises by ensuring their inclusion in global digital trade platforms,” she stated. “Under his visionary leadership, women entrepreneurs are now better equipped to innovate, grow, and compete internationally.”
Highlighting the critical role of women in Nigeria’s economy, the Minister noted that women currently constitute 43% of MSMEs and contribute over 23% to the national GDP. She emphasized their importance not only in driving domestic growth but also in advancing Nigeria’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy.
At the heart of this transformation is the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Program (RH-SII), spearheaded by the Ministry, which provides digital tools, skills training, access to finance, and market linkages for women-led businesses.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also extended appreciation to key partners in the success of the WEIDE Fund, including: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), led by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), under Mrs. Nonye Ayeni.
She also acknowledged international funders such as the United Arab Emirates and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Legacy Fund for their financial contributions to the initiative.
The Minister celebrated the recipients of the WEIDE Fund, describing them as “innovators, leaders, and ambassadors of Nigeria’s ingenuity,” whose achievements reflect the power of inclusive growth and women’s economic participation.
“Your success is not just personal—it is a national victory that reaffirms the transformative potential of women-led enterprises in reshaping global trade,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to removing barriers for women and fostering sustainable economic transformation.
“We remain resolute in our mission to empower Nigerian women, break barriers, and drive inclusive prosperity,” she affirmed.
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