The convener of HopeMakers Network, Chidimma Makuachukwu, says the organization is building a nationwide sisterhood that empowers women to rise above long-standing societal barriers through mentorship, capacity building, and shared opportunities. She spoke at the HopeMakers Network brunch held on Sunday in Abuja, explaining that the network, now active across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, was established to provide young women between ages 18 and 49 with platforms for personal development and professional advancement. She added that when women access community, collaboration, and knowledge, the walls that slow them down begin to fall. She described the network’s mission as one centred on mentorship, empowerment, and real opportunities that help women grow and prosper.
Makuachukwu also announced that beginning in 2026, HopeMakers Network will scale up its programmes with the introduction of an annual summit, international exposure trips, and more opportunities to support members across the country.
Co-founder of NextGen Nexus, Igwe Ogbonna, said the organisation entered into a partnership with HopeMakers Network because both groups share a vision of supporting young people who demonstrate entrepreneurial potential. He revealed that five women running small businesses were selected for seed support of ₦250,000 each after a review of submitted proposals. Ogbonna noted that women often record impressive business performance yet remain excluded from many opportunities, adding that this collaboration aims to close those gaps. He stressed that women face distinct challenges in a patriarchal society like Nigeria and affirmed that NextGen Nexus wants to be part of the solution.
The brunch, according to organisers, signals a growing movement committed to grooming confident women leaders, expanding access to finance and enabling more women-led enterprises to thrive nationwide.
