Wimbiz Spotlights Africa’s Current Greatest Resource

On November 13th and 14th, 2017, WIMBIZ held its biggest Annual Conference yet with over 1500 delegates from within and across Africa and the Diaspora in attendance. The Conference themed “The Future is HERe” provided an opportunity for frank discussion, deliberation and debate on the opportunities available for women within Nigeria and across Africa. 

In her welcome address to participants at the Conference, Aishah Ahmad, Chairperson, WIMBIZ Executive Council (2015-2017) spoke on the urgent need to convert Africa’s significant potential into tangible economic growth for Nigerian businesses; and the pressing need to unlock what is increasingly acknowledged as the biggest untapped resource within the continent; women! “We will discuss opportunities, uncover the strategies that bring them to life, discover what holds us back as women and emerge emboldened to take action. We will learn, connect – sharing our inspiring storie,” She added.

The two-day event which held at Eko Hotel and Suites, was chaired by Dr. (Mrs) Nike Akande, CON, the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry who stated in her closing remarks that the Conference had been an amazing, informative and inspiring event. 

Mrs. Laure Beaufils, the Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria delivered an inspiring and moving Keynote address urging the audience to push boundaries and support each other, acting as instruments of change for the betterment of the community. 

The Conference featured eight plenary sessions including an unprecedented all male plenary which focused on recognizing the critical men play in increasing female leadership. From the plenaries to the breakout sessions, the Conference covered topics ranging from the African market, SME funding, early childhood education, public sector participation 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 Female Achiever’s awards were presented to Dr. Zaynab Bagudu, Pediatric Consultant and Founder, Medicaid; Professor Omotunde Segoe, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Equitable Health Access Initiative; and Dr. Stella Okoli, Founder and CEO, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited; for their contributions to the Nigerian health sector. The WIMBIZ Impact Investment awards were also presented to the three winners of the 2017 WIMBIZ Impact Investment competition: Aderoju Ope-Ajayi, Founder, Dolphin Aquatic Centre; Adebimpe Oni Olwatomisin, Founder, D’ Rose Recycling; and Jennifer Uchendu Olachi, Founder, Susty Vibes. The Ebony Life Sisterhood Awards in partnership with WIMBIZ also took place on Day 2 of the conference.

The closing ceremony of the Annual Conference saw Aishah Ahmad hand over the baton of leadership after her two-year tenure as Chairperson of the WIMBIZ Executive Council to Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi, Executive Director, Business Development & New Projects, Punch Nigeria Ltd.

About WIMBIZ 

Inspiring and Empowering Women Since 2001

WIMBIZ www.wimbiz.org is the foremost non-governmental organization in Nigeria, committed to elevating the status and influence of women and their contributions to nation building. Over the last 15 years, we have delivered programs that seek to inspire, empower, and advocate for greater representation of women in leadership positions in public and private life. We have a contributory Associate pool of over 500 accomplished women in management, business and public service, with over 5,000 women on our database. WIMBIZ collaborates with credible global organisations to deliver our programs, which have influenced over 80,000 women since inception.

Our Vision: To be the catalyst that elevates the status and influence of women and their contribution to nation building. 

Our Mission: To inspire and empower women to attain leadership positions in business, management, public service.

Our Core Values: Selflessness, Professionalism, Passion, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork