Moniepoint has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and advancing business growth through accessible financial solutions at an entrepreneurship engagement with contestants of the 2026 Queen Moremi Ajasoro Cultural and Leadership Pageant in Ile-Ife.
The session, held on Thursday, November 5, at the Adire Oodua Textile Training Hub, Ife Grand Resorts, was led by Moniepoint’s State Coordinator, Mr Olufemi Olaniyan, and brought together the financial technology company’s representatives and the contestants for discussions on entrepreneurship, business opportunities and the financial tools available to individuals seeking to establish, manage and expand their enterprises.
Speaking at the engagement, Olaniyan highlighted the importance of empowering women with the financial resources and business support necessary to pursue their aspirations, noting that supporting women to build sustainable businesses creates opportunities that extend beyond individual entrepreneurs to their families and communities.
He explained that Moniepoint’s commitment to financial inclusion is reflected in its range of solutions designed to address the needs of business owners, including women entrepreneurs, while supporting enterprises across different sectors and stages of growth.
“At Moniepoint, we believe that everyone with a business ambition deserves access to the right financial tools and support to make that dream a reality. We recognise the important role women play in driving economic activities, and we are committed to ensuring that they have access to opportunities that can help them establish, strengthen and grow their businesses.
“Our solutions go beyond everyday banking. We provide business accounts, POS payment solutions, working capital loans and other credit facilities, expense management tools, business savings and business management solutions such as Moniebook, which helps entrepreneurs manage their sales, inventory and financial records.
“These services are designed to make running a business easier, improve financial management and provide access to resources that can support business expansion. Our goal is to ensure that entrepreneurs have the tools they need to move from having an idea to building a sustainable and successful business,” he said.
Olaniyan further encouraged the contestants to embrace entrepreneurship, identify opportunities within their areas of interest and develop the financial and business management knowledge required to translate their ambitions into viable ventures.
The engagement was held under the theme, “Empower a Woman, Empower a Family, Transform a Nation,” reflecting the broader economic and social significance of investing in women’s capacity to build businesses, achieve financial independence and contribute to national development.
Hosted by Her Royal Majesty, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Global Ambassador of the Queen Moremi Ajasoro Initiative, the annual cultural and leadership pageant is part of a broader empowerment vision established by His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, who serves as the initiative’s Grand Royal Patron.
Under Olori Aderonke’s leadership, the initiative has continued to advance its objectives of promoting women’s empowerment, nurturing young female leaders, preserving Yoruba cultural heritage and creating opportunities for personal, leadership and economic development. Through the annual pageant and its complementary programmes, it provides a platform for young women to develop their potential, embrace leadership responsibilities and become agents of positive change in their communities.
The engagement also featured the presence of Nollywood actress and entertainer Olukemi Niyi-Aluko, popularly known as Diva Gold, a former participant and one of the pioneer contestants of the Queen Moremi Ajasoro Pageant, whose association with the initiative added another familiar face to the gathering.
The inclusion of the entrepreneurship session in the 2026 pageant programme highlights the intersection of cultural identity, leadership development and economic empowerment, providing contestants with exposure to practical business knowledge and financial solutions that can inform their pursuits beyond the competition.