WenA Conference

4TH WENA CONFERENCE

THEME:

Rethinking Paradigm Shift in Agriculture and Initiatives to Enhance Food Security

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

About WenA

Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA) is a registered Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) with a mission to produce world-class and diverse entrepreneurs who meet the needs of an ever-changing marketplace in Nigeria and across Africa. In collaboration with our partners, we identify and help build high-quality companies.

At WenA, we strongly believe that women play a crucial role in the development of any nation, which is why we work hard to support women entrepreneurs.

Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA) designs programs to address some of the issues which hinder the growth and development of Women in Business, as well as create a forum to advocate for the 360-degree woman in line with the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Businesses Capacity Built

0 +

Businesses Supported

0 +

The Event

Date: 26th – 27th July 2022
Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
Venue: Sheraton Hotel, Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

CONFERENCE THEME:

"Rethinking Paradigm Shift in Agriculture and Initiatives to Enhance Food Security”

OBJECTIVES

To foster sustainable growth and development in the agricultural sector through innovation and technology
To identify investment opportunities for the expansion and growth of agribusinesses
To develop the agribusiness value chain
To create an enabling environment for access to market for agripreneurs.

4TH EDITION OF THE WENA CONFERENCE

From production, harvesting, and storage to processing, packaging, sales, and export of agro-products, SMEs in the agricultural sector are faced with challenges, such as low productivity due to damaged crops, lack of infrastructure and storage facilities, post-harvest food loss, lack of access to market, finance and investment opportunities.

Dynamics unleashed by the pandemic are affecting food security and nutrition. This includes supply chain disruption, global economic recession, altered food environment, and processing.
Technology provides a range of innovative solutions, introducing new ways for SMEs to enhance productivity across the value chain.

The 4th WenA Conference addresses the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to alleviate poverty, reduce hunger and create job opportunities, by optimizing our resources and the use of existing technology for the future of agriculture in Nigeria.

EVENT FOCUS

This event is designed to be:

IMPACT DRIVEN

To drive economic activities in the SME industry, to write success stories on increased productivity, access to market and investment opportunities

ENLIGHTENING

To unravel innovative and technological solutions that foster sustainable growth and development in the agricultural sector.

A NETWORKING EVENT

To provide a platform where SMEs can connect with stakeholders across the value chain.

RESEARCH ORIENTED

Evaluate challenges Agri-SMEs face in production and its impact on food security, export and economic development.

Conference Sessions

Panel Sessions

Workshop Sessions

Conference Speakers

Distinguished Guest of Honour

Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development

Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in (Biology Major, Chemistry Minor) specializing in Microbiology and Master’s Degree in Resources Management with specialization in Natural Resources Management from Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Wa., and a Ph.D. in Watersheds Management from the University of Arizona, Tucson all in the USA. He was awarded the University of Arizona 1989 Departmental Scholarship of academic excellence- Doctoral Research Scholarship. His area of expertise includes among others: Natural Resource Management (Land, soil, forest, and water posture), Biological and chemical water quality assessment, Watershed/River Basin Management, Environmental protection program design, and implementation as well as Air Quality, Domestic Solid waste, Rural water supply management design, and implementation

Founder, WenA

HE. Aisha Babangida Founder, Women Enterprise Alliance

Her Excellency, Aisha Babangida is a humanitarian leader and an experienced founder with a demonstrated history of working within philanthropy and helping underserved communities throughout Nigeria. She is the Chairperson of the Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman, taking over after her mother, who worked previously as the Chairman and Founder. In addition to the Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman, Hajiya Aisha has also started and worked with numerous nonprofit organizations, only fueling her passion to do more for the people of her country, Nigeria. Aisha loves being able to provide women and girls with educational opportunities and life skills in order to better prepare them for the future. In addition to her passion and commitment to philanthropy, Aisha Babangida is also passionate about finance and business. She has continued to advocate for female empowerment by working to increase women’s rights and provide them with resources that can help transform their lives and great community.

Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda

Special Guest

Mr Valor Iduh

Guest Speaker

Dr. Ezra Yakusak

Special Guest

Mr. Olukayode A. Pitan

Keynote Speaker I

Mr. Israel Kidron

Keynote Speaker II

Jennifer Onyebuagu

Keynote Speaker III

Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda Special Guest

Director-General SMEDAN
Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda is the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Dr Radda, an astute politician, entrepreneur, teacher and banker with wide administrative experience was born on 10th September 1969 in Hayingada-Dutsinma Local Government, Katsina State North-West Nigeria. He started his early educational pursuit at Radda Primary School from 1974- 1980. He was Executive Chairman Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina state between Jan 2005 and April 2007. Other appointments he has held are; Senior Legislative Aide, NASS, Abuja, 2012-2014, and National Welfare Secretary (APC), June 2014- July 2015. Dr. Radda, was until his present appointment the Chief of Staff to the Katsina State Governor. He is a recipient of several awards and certificates from both local and international organizations. A widely traveled man and he is married with children.

Dr. Ezra Yakusak Special Guest

MD/CEO Nigerian Export Promotion Council
Dr. Ezra Yakusak is the Managing Director and Cheif Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Dr. Yakusak obtained all of his academic qualifications, starting with his degree in law (LLB), then a master’s (LLM) and a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in commercial law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He was the Director, Policy, and Strategy and served as the Secretary to the NEPC Governing Board. With a career that spans decades, Dr. Yakusak had held many previous positions. They include Director, Trade Information Department, Regional Coordinator (North Central); NEPC SERVICOM Nodal Officer; Head, Corporate Services Department (encompassing Human Resources, Administration, ICT, Legal, Pension, Security and Staff Welfare); Secretary, NEPC Governing Board; Pioneer Legal Officer/Legal Adviser; Focal point on the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act; and Pioneer Pension Schedule Officer.

Mr. Olukayode A. Pitan Keynote Speaker I

MD/CEO Bank of Industries
Mr. Pitan has corporate and banking experience spanning over 25 years. He graduated with a BSc (Hons) degree in Economics as a UAC scholar from the University of Ibadan in 1982. He obtained a Master’s degree in International Management as a Rotary International. Scholar from the American Graduate School of International Management, Thunderbird Campus, Glendale, Arizona. He is an alumnus of Lagos Business School (SMP 5) and London Business School (SEP 43 ). Mr. Pitan joined First Interstate Bank Plc in August 2004 as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. He led the Bank successfully through a merger with eight other Banks to form Unity Bank Plc. From January 2006 to February 2009 when he voluntarily retired, he served as Executive Director of Unity Bank Plc in charge of Corporate Banking and Treasury Management.

Mr. Israel Kidron Keynote Speaker II

MD/CEO ONiDA AGRI & AQUACULTURE SOLUTIONS LTD
Mr. Israel Kidron is the MD/CEO of ONiDA Agri & Aquaculture Solutions LTD, a company that implements large scale Agriculture and Aquaculture projects across the world. With over 35 years of experience, Onida has brought significant change and development to emerging markets, with a distinct focus on Africa. Onida’s team has been taking part in projects all across the globe. This includes countries across the African continent; Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria to name a few, but have also featured in Israel, Turkey, China, as well as other nations across the Asian and South American regions. With such extensive experience, Onida has positioned itself as being a major contributor to some of the fast-growing development occurring in emerging countries, and its industrial-scale involvement has provided benefits such as increased production, innovative alternatives, advanced technology, import/export substitute, etc.

Mr. Ramón Sanchez-Ocaña Keynote Speaker III

CEO & CO-FOUNDER Claire Global
Mr. Ramón Sanchez-Ocaña is the CEO and Founder of Claire Global, an online marketplace in the agro-food sector using Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning. Claire Global is a marketplace devoted to the B2B food trading business. It is purpose-built to implement Machine Learning-driven solutions to optimize the buying and selling processes that are core to the wide-reaching global food industry. Since its launch in January 2020, the marketplace has been in ‘Open BETA’ with interest from a diverse set of companies.

Event Schedule

Day 1
Day 2

REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST

WELCOME

WELCOME ADDRESS