The maiden edition of the Jos Women in Coffee Business Conference has concluded in Jos, Plateau State, with stakeholders advocating increased investment in the coffee value chain as a catalyst for women’s empowerment, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

Organised by Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited, the conference brought together women entrepreneurs, coffee farmers, processors, marketers, investors, and other industry stakeholders to explore opportunities within the coffee sector while fostering stronger collaboration across the value chain.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer and Visionary Leader of Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Blessing Nanman, popularly known as the Apostle of Wealth, said the conference was created to expose women to the enormous opportunities available in the coffee industry. She described coffee as one of the world’s most consumed commodities with vast potential for entrepreneurship, wealth creation, skills development, and community advancement.

Mrs. Nanman explained that although women account for nearly 70 percent of the global workforce in the coffee industry, many remain unaware of the significant role they play and the opportunities available to them. She urged Plateau women to embrace every aspect of the coffee value chain—from cultivation and harvesting to processing, roasting, branding, marketing, and leadership—while emphasizing the need to strengthen partnerships among farmers, processors, marketers, and off-takers to ensure sustainable production and profitability.

Project Leader of the Tonyi Wiggins Centre for Leadership and Mentoring Initiative, Toyin Wiggins, described the conference as an eye-opening platform that promotes financial independence through coffee entrepreneurship. He expressed interest in venturing into coffee farming and commended Mrs. Nanman for her passion, expertise, and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s coffee industry.

Participants also shared testimonies of the impact of Lingzhi Global’s initiatives. Regina Pam praised the organisation for equipping women with entrepreneurial knowledge, leadership skills, and economic opportunities, encouraging more women to take advantage of its programmes to become financially independent and influential within their communities.

Another beneficiary, Helen Gontur Malo, recounted how joining Lingzhi Global transformed her life socially and economically. She revealed that shortly after becoming a member, she qualified for an electric tricycle and has since benefited from business training and improved wellbeing through the company’s coffee products.

Malo encouraged women and young people to explore opportunities within the coffee value chain, describing it as a viable pathway to job creation, improved livelihoods, and local economic development. She also appealed to the Plateau State Government to invest in coffee production, noting that Plateau produces some of the finest coffee in the world and possesses the potential to become a leading coffee hub with the right support.

A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Mrs. Blessing Nenman in recognition of her outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and the growth of Nigeria’s coffee industry. The award, conferred by the Change Makers Impact Award, was presented by Toyin Wiggins, who applauded her visionary leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to transforming lives through innovation and economic empowerment.

The conference ended with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among farmers, processors, marketers, investors, development partners, and government agencies to unlock the full potential of Plateau State’s coffee industry while creating greater opportunities for women across every stage of the coffee value chain.