Published 16 Dec. 2024

Mrs Abiodun Olubintan, Group Head, Women Banking, Access Bank displays her Certificate of Recognition in Leadership as Mŕ. Goddie Ofose, Publisher of The Industry Newspaper and Convener of the Induaþry Women Conference looks on.

 

A New Era for Women Leadership
The Industry Women Conference 2.0, held on December 13, 2024, at the CIBN House, Victoria Island, Lagos, stands as a transformative milestone for advancing women’s leadership in Nigeria. This annual event has evolved into a powerful platform for recognizing trailblazing women while equipping attendees with tools to rise to the top of their fields.

With the theme “Tools Women Need to Succeed,” the conference not only celebrated exceptional women leaders but also served as a clarion call to address systemic challenges that hinder gender parity in leadership. It reaffirmed that empowering women is not merely an ideal

it is a necessity for driving innovation, progress, and sustainable development in every sector of the economy.

A Celebration of Excellence and Resilience
The day commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Goddie Ofose, convener of the conference and publisher of Industry Newspaper. His impassioned address emphasized the conference’s mission: creating a space where women are recognized for their transformative impact and armed with the knowledge to inspire others.

“This conference has become a platform to recognize women breaking barriers in their fields,” Mr. Ofose noted during a later interview. “The theme, ‘Tools Women Need to Succeed,’ encapsulates the essence of this movement—to equip women with the skills and strategies needed to excel professionally and personally.” A diverse lineup of distinguished speakers lent their voices to this mission, offering actionable insights, personal narratives, and strategies to help women achieve leadership excellence.

Highlights from the Keynotes: Insights from Visionary Leaders. Each keynote speaker illuminated a unique facet of the leadership journey, delivering thought-provoking perspectives on mentorship, resilience, technology, and collaboration

Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi, Former Chairman, Arcon, Group Managing Director, PrimaGarnet highlighed 3 critical tools women need to harness viz Education and skills acquisition, Financial Empowerment and Networking and mentorship.

1. Education and Skills Acquisition

Why it matters: Education and skills are foundational for personal development and economic independence. They empower women to compete in the job market, pursue entrepreneurial ventures, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Actionable Steps:

Promote access to formal education, especially in STEM fields where women are underrepresented.

Encourage continuous learning through vocational training, certifications, and digital literacy programs.

Support programs that bridge education and job opportunities for women.

2. Financial Empowerment

Why it matters: Financial literacy and access to economic resources allow women to achieve independence, plan for the future, and make informed decisions. Women with financial power can also drive change within families and communities.

Actionable Steps:

Provide access to financial education to teach budgeting, saving, and investment skills.

Expand access to credit and funding, especially for women entrepreneurs.

Advocate for policies ensuring equal pay and workplace equity.

3. Networking and Mentorship

Why it matters: Building strong networks and mentoring relationships can open doors to opportunities, guidance, and support. Mentorship helps women navigate challenges and build confidence in leadership roles.

Actionable Steps:

Establish women-centric professional networks and mentorship programs.

Encourage intergenerational mentoring, where experienced professionals guide younger women.

Leverage digital platforms for virtual networking and knowledge-sharing.

By focusing on education and skills acquisition, financial empowerment, and networking and mentorship, women can create a solid foundation for achieving equality, self-sufficiency, and leadership. These tools, when effectively utilized, can transform individual lives and entire communities.

Mabel Adeteye, Head of Brand and Communications at Wema Bank, highlighted the power of collaboration and shared success. “Women must support one another to create lasting impact. Our collective efforts not only uplift individuals but strengthen the brands and communities we represent,” she remarked.

Abiodun Olubintan, Group Head of Women Banking at Access Bank

Abiodun Olubintan, Group Head of Women Banking at Access Bank, shared her journey from Chemical Engineering to banking, emphasizing technology’s role as an enabler of success. She urged women to embrace adaptability, pursue their goals boldly, and maintain balance in their personal relationships. “Technology is not a barrier; it is a tool that amplifies your potential. Be proactive and intentional in leveraging it.”

Ufoma Ogeleka, Vice President of Commercial Operations at UAC Nigeria Plc., underscored the value of self-awareness and mentorship. “True success begins with understanding your unique value and using that knowledge to achieve your goals. Along the way, lift others and create pathways for more women to lead,” she advised.

7Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head for Customer Experience at Polaris Bank, delved into the importance of preparation and the future of work. She championed emerging technologies like AI as opportunities to work smarter, not harder, and emphasized mentorship as a cornerstone for achieving goals. “Don’t wait for opportunities—equip yourself now. Relationships and technology are the twin pillars of meaningful progress.”

Maureen Omifada, Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO
While addressing journalists after receiving her award Maureen Omifada, Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO laid emphasis on Women Excelling in Leadership and Tools Needed to Succeed saying today, more than ever, women are breaking barriers, making their mark across industries, and contributing to the growth of organizations, communities, and nations.

Yet, women must acknowledge that the journey to leadership is not without challenges. To excel and sustain success in leadership, women must leverage three critical tools: education and skills acquisition, financial empowerment, and networking and mentorship.
First, education and skills acquisition remain the bedrock of growth. Continuous learning, whether through formal education or professional development, equips women to excel in their chosen fields. In today’s dynamic world, embracing technology and digital skills is non-negotiable. I encourage women to be lifelong learners, staying ahead of trends and reinventing themselves as needed.

Second, financial empowerment is essential. Understanding how to manage finances, access credit, and invest wisely is a game-changer for women aspiring to lead. Economic independence enables women to make bold decisions, take calculated risks, and seize opportunities that drive meaningful impact. Finally, networking and mentorship serve as the invisible yet powerful infrastructure behind successful women leaders. Building strong networks and engaging with mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and strategic insight are invaluable. For me, mentorship has been a critical part of my leadership journey, and I encourage every woman to both seek mentorship and mentor others.

“As I stand here today as the Marketing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, I am a testament to the power of these tools. My journey was not without its hurdles, but by embracing education, empowering myself financially, and leaning into a strong support network, I was able to grow into this role and lead with purpose.
In closing, I urge every woman to recognize her potential and take intentional steps to nurture it. And to everyone listening, let us continue creating environments where women can thrive, innovate, and lead unapologetically.”

Other guests of honour that graced the prestigious conference include:
Abisoye Oruye, Media Manager, FrieslandCampina WAMCO
Bisi Sotunde, Founder/CEO, BusyBee Events
Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi, Former Chairman, Arcon, Group Managing Director, PrimaGarnet
Mrs. Bunmi Odule, CEO, Ladybird Advertising,
Mrs. Tolulope Medubem, President of Experiential Marketing Association of Nigeria EXMAN
Dr. Chisom Alozie, MD/CEO NYTC,
Oluseun Mudasiru, Brand Business Manager, St. Lauren
Modupeoluwa Aremo, Brand Business Manager, ACIM
O’tega Ogra, The new SSA to President Tinubu on Digital/New Media

Industry Women Leadership Awards: Honoring Exemplary Achievements
A key highlight of the event was the Industry Women Leadership Awards, which celebrated extraordinary women who have redefined excellence across industries. The award selection committee received accolades for its meticulous approach, ensuring honorees truly exemplified leadership, innovation, and philanthropy.

The awardees’ stories resonated deeply with attendees, offering living proof of what is achievable when mentorship, education, and collaboration are embraced. Their recognition was more than an accolade—it was a testament to the untapped potential of women leaders in Nigeria. Celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in leadership and innovation, Certificates of Recognition were presented to the Top 50 Industry Women in Nigeria. These women, drawn from diverse sectors including Finance, Technology, Event Management healthcare, manufacturing, and media, were recognized for their outstanding leadership, resilience, and significant impact on their industries and communities.

The ceremony highlighted the growing influence of women in shaping Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, with each honoree representing excellence and a commitment to driving progress.
The recognition underscores the importance of fostering opportunities for women to excel and the need for continued advocacy for gender equality in all spheres of life. It serves as both a celebration and a call to action, inspiring future generations to break barriers and achieve greatness.

Reflections and Takeaways: A Movement, Not Just an Event
The conference concluded with vibrant networking opportunities, celebrations, and thoughtful tokens of appreciation from sponsors. The atmosphere buzzed with inspiration as attendees left equipped with actionable tools to advance their leadership journeys.

The Industry Women Conference 2.0 was not just an event but a movement—a call to action for women across Nigeria to embrace leadership, break barriers, and shape a future where gender equity is the norm. It served as a reminder that, with the right tools and collective support, women can redefine the leadership narrative and drive lasting change.

Alfred Abiodun, Publisher, DASCENARIO and PRO, The Press Society with Mrs. Abiodun Olabintan, Group Head, Women Banking, Access Bank

This is more than a moment; it is a legacy in the making.