WIMBIZ EQUIPS WOMEN WITH WINNING STRATEGIES TO SHAPE THE FUTURE,
BUILD AND SUSTAIN A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD
Shaping the future and developing winning strategies for women in the long run was the
focus for Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) during the 2-day
WIMBIZ 18th Annual Conference on November 7th and 8th at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria
Island, Lagos.
The 2-day conference themed “Shaping the Future: Strategizing to Win” provided an
opportunity for frank discussion, deliberation and debate on the future for women in their
various sectors, and how they build and sustain a successful career. The conference also
helped equip women with winning strategies to shape the future and provided practical
solutions to several common issues affecting women professionally and personally.
The gathering, which takes place in November every year, and is the flagship event of
WIMBIZ. This year, for the first time, attracted what some estimate to be more than 2,000
attendees over the two-day period.
In her welcome address to delegates, Chairperson, Executive Council, WIMBIZ, Olubunmi
Aboderin-Talabi explained that the rationale behind the theme for this year’s conference is
to point to the inherent ability that is latent within each person to make something of their
future. “We all have the capacity to be proactive in shaping the outcome of our lives” she
added.
Aboderin-Talabi furthermore urged women to set their goals for the conference and be
mindful of how these can be achieved.
The event was chaired by former Chief Judge, Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Rose
Ukeje, OFR. Justice Ukeje commended WIMBIZ for putting together the conference and their
consistency over the past 18 years with empowering and inspiring women.
Mrs Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, First Lady, Ekiti State who delivered the keynote address on
Day 1 of the conference, urged women to be the change they want to see in others. She
implored women to shield and support one another, rise and set their sights on all the great
things women can accomplish together.
Giving the keynote address on Day 2 was Fred Swaniker, Founder and CEO, Africa Leadership
University. Mr Swaniker charged women to be more confident in themselves and their
abilities.
18th Annual Conference Post Press Release
The conference, which started with a networking breakfast for professionals across different
sectors, also featured seven plenaries; six breakout sessions and was Live Streamed across
the world.
The various sessions helped delegates learn how to develop winning strategies to secure
their seat at the table; collaborate to win; navigate the old boys club; understand consumer
behaviour for their business; reach the vast number who are not on the internet; overcome
trauma; silence shame; rise above the imposter syndrome; mitigate unbeneficial financial
surprises in retirement years; negotiate a fair contract which accurately reflects their worth,
and much more.
Recognising and rewarding hard work and potential was one of the highlights of the
conference with several different awards presented to deserving women. The 2019 Female
Achievers’ Award recongnised trail blazing women in the civil service who have contributed
to the growth and sustainability of the public sector. The recipients this year were Engr.
Ebele Okeke, OON, CFR, Chairman/CEO Chantaly Engineering Services and Amal Inyingiala
Pepple, CFR, Board Member, SunTrust Bank Nigeria Ltd.
The winners of the WIMBIZ Impact Investment Competition, sponsored by ACT Foundation,
were also announced at the conference. The 2019 Impact Investment Grant recipients were:
Augustina Emele, CEO Chais Initiative; Adeike Ogunsade, CEO Crowncare Couture; and Peggy
Ovat, CEO Peggies Kitchen.
During the closing ceremony of the 2019 WIMBIZ Annual Conference, outgoing Chairman of
the WIMBIZ Board of Trustees Funmi Roberts handed over the baton of leadership, after her
three year tenure, to Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, Founder/CEO, DO.II Designs Limited.
Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi handed over the baton of leadership of the WIMBIZ Executive
Council as Chairperson after her two year tenure to Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo, Head
Coverage, Rand Merchant Bank, Nigeria.
