The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to supporting indigenous female entrepreneurs driving innovation, job creation, and economic inclusion across Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch of Incense Palace Abuja and the unveiling of Imaan Signature Scents, Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended the founder, Bahijjia Ahmad Wasai, for her exceptional creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, describing her as an inspiration to women nationwide.
“Every journey, the journey of every woman, starts with one step. All the big names at the end of the day, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, they didn’t just start from style, they started from one step before they became big,” she said.
Represented by the Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Women Development Centre, Hajiya Asabe Vilita Bashir, the Minister praised Wase’s visionary expansion within a short period.
“She started in 2017; she’s not many years old, but she has opened branches across Nigeria. One in the north Kano, Abuja is the central coast and one in the south, Lagos. Once you capture Kano, Abuja, Lagos, you have already crossed Nigeria. These are the biggest markets in Nigeria. So we are so proud that within less than 10 years of business, you have already gone national,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained
The Minister said that Incense Palace Abuja represents a new frontier for local industry.
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“We go to Dubai to buy incense; we spend so much hard currency to buy incense. Look at her she even went to acquire more knowledge for herself because of the Incense Palace… This Incense Palace is going to go places. We are going to buy incense from here our own Dubai is here,” she said.
Launching the new product, Imaan Signature Scents, she said, “I’m so proud of Bahija. I call on all women to emulate Bahija… This product is of international standard.”
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Incense Palace, Bahijjia Ahmad Wasai, expressed gratitude for the recognition and shared insights on the growing fragrance industry.
“When we started in 2017, it was not like this before, but now, more people are entering into the perfume business. This is a very good and profitable business,” Wasai said.
She urged government support for small businesses saying; “Helping small businesses is a win-win, not only for the business owners but also for the government. Other hardworking, upcoming entrepreneurs should have access to basic infrastructure and things that will help their businesses grow.”
Wasai also lauded the Minister for her support for women-owned businesses: “She’s a woman with vision. She’s trying her best. All the things that she has been doing for the business owners she’s a role model to a lot of businesses that are coming up now.”
Some attendees also shared their thoughts on women’s entrepreneurship growth in Nigeria.
Maryam Mohamed Hussein, a chef, observed: “I think a lot of women are here, both the ones that are business-orientated and the ones that are not, all coming together to support one person. I think this is a remarkable platform for economic growth of the country.”
A relationship expert, Maryam Lemu underscored the far-reaching impact of women’s empowerment, saying: “By empowering a woman, you are empowering the whole family. It gives her a sense of confidence and financial independence. It lightens the burden on the man. So, it’s not a competition, it’s about collaboration, and that becomes a communal strength for all of us.”
Entrepreneur Hauwa Liman stressed the need for sustained policy support.
“Young people that are willing to go into entrepreneurship should be given all the needed support. This is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria having young people going into entrepreneurship and being employers of labour,” she said.
The launch of Incense Palace Abuja not only celebrated entrepreneurial excellence but also aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which targets inclusive growth and a one-trillion-dollar economy.
The event underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to empowering women-led enterprises as key drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth and self-reliance.
Women entrepreneurs like Bahijjia Wasai are redefining the national economic landscape driving value creation, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods that strengthen Nigeria’s GDP and position women at the heart of the country’s one-trillion-dollar economic transformation.