Women Accountants in Ibadan Organise Market Outreach on Financial Literacy

Theme: “Record Today, Prosper Tomorrow”

The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Ibadan Chapter successfully concluded its impactful and highly engaging Market Outreach Programme held at Alhaji Chief Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh Modern Shops and Motor Parks, Bodija Market, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The outreach, designed to take financial literacy, wellness and women empowerment directly to the grassroots, brought together market women, traders, entrepreneurs, professionals and strategic partners in a memorable gathering filled with learning, health awareness, excitement and human connection.

The initiative reflected SWAN Ibadan Chapter’s commitment to extending professional service beyond boardrooms and conference halls into communities where women work tirelessly every day to build businesses, support families and contribute to economic growth.

From the early hours of the day, the atmosphere was vibrant and energetic as participants arrived with curiosity and enthusiasm. What started as a community outreach quickly transformed into a life-touching experience filled with laughter, learning and inspiration.

One of the first highlights of the programme was the invigorating wellness session led by professional fitness instructors who facilitated an exciting aerobics and keep-fit exercise. The session encouraged participants to pay attention not only to their businesses but also to their physical wellbeing.

The atmosphere became electrifying as women danced, exercised and participated actively with joy and excitement. For many participants, it was more than a fitness session—it was a refreshing moment of happiness and a reminder that amid the pressures of daily hustle, health remains true wealth.

The outreach also featured a medical intervention segment facilitated by healthcare professionals who conducted blood pressure checks for market men and women. This thoughtful initiative demonstrated that wellness and preventive healthcare should remain priorities regardless of how busy life becomes.

Many participants expressed gratitude and excitement that healthcare services came directly to meet them in their place of business. Beyond checking blood pressure levels, the exercise reflected care, compassion and concern for the wellbeing of members of the community.

Financial empowerment remained central to the programme. Participants were sensitized on practical bookkeeping and the importance of keeping simple financial records for business growth and sustainability. The message was clear and relatable—that every successful business begins with knowing and understanding one’s numbers.

An equally significant aspect of the programme was the participation of Sobic Microfinance Bank, whose team added tremendous value through an insightful sensitization session on their products and the benefits of banking.

The representatives engaged directly with market women and traders, educating them on the importance of financial inclusion and exposing them to various banking opportunities and products designed to support small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Participants were enlightened on the value of saving, access to financial services and the importance of developing healthy financial habits capable of strengthening businesses and improving economic stability.

For many attendees, the session was eye-opening and empowering, reinforcing the truth that financial growth goes beyond daily income—it also requires access to support systems and informed financial decisions.

Adding colour and excitement to the outreach was the highly anticipated dance competition which instantly transformed the atmosphere into one of celebration and shared joy.

Participants danced with enthusiasm, displayed energetic performances and temporarily forgot the pressures and demands of daily business activities. The competition created unforgettable moments of laughter and connection, proving once again that community impact is not only about delivering information but also about creating experiences that uplift and inspire.

The smiles, excitement and active participation witnessed throughout the event spoke volumes.

The outreach reinforced a profound message: empowerment is not only about accounting figures and business records; it is also about health, wellness, inclusion, joy, opportunity and human connection.

The successful completion of the programme once again demonstrated SWAN Ibadan Chapter’s unwavering dedication to touching lives, promoting women empowerment and creating meaningful community impact.

The Chapter expresses profound appreciation to all stakeholders, strategic partners, healthcare personnel, fitness instructors, representatives of Sobic Microfinance Bank, market leadership, volunteers, members and every participant whose support and presence contributed to the tremendous success of the programme.

As SWAN continues to champion initiatives that uplift communities and empower women, this outreach remains a powerful reminder that when professionals step into communities with compassion and purpose, lives are touched, hope is renewed and transformation becomes possible.

Together, we did not simply organize an event—we created memories, inspired change and made meaningful impact.

Dr. Sileola Adebusola Akinbowale FCA
8th Chairperson, SWAN Ibadan Chapter