By Marvellous Nyang
November 7, 2024
Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has called on women leaders to embrace their potential and challenge societal barriers during the 33rd Annual Conference of the Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) held on November 7-8, 2024, in Lagos.
In his keynote address, Osinbajo emphasized the critical role women play in addressing Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges and urged them to leverage their influence for positive change.
He highlighted the importance of collective action to dismantle gender barriers, especially in underserved regions.
“Women are not just participants in development; they are key drivers of change,” he stated, encouraging attendees to take bold steps towards leadership roles in their respective fields.
The conference, themed “Dream. Dare. Do.”, attracted over 2,000 participants from various sectors, including business, government, and civil society.
The event featured a range of activities, including workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to empower women leaders and foster collaboration.
Notable speakers included successful entrepreneurs and advocates who shared their experiences and insights on overcoming challenges in male-dominated industries.
Osinbajo’s remarks resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring them to pursue their ambitions with courage and resilience.
He acknowledged the progress made by women in Nigeria but also pointed out the work that still needs to be done.
“We must continue to advocate for policies that support women’s empowerment and create an enabling environment for all,” he urged.
The conference also included a business pitch competition where aspiring female entrepreneurs showcased their innovative ideas to a panel of judges.
This initiative aimed to provide women with the resources and exposure needed to succeed in the competitive business landscape.
Overall, the WIMBIZ conference served as a powerful platform for women to connect, share ideas, and inspire one another.
As Osinbajo concluded his address, he left the audience with a call to action: “Dare to dream big, dare to take risks, and do not let anything hold you back,” reinforcing the message that empowered women can drive significant change in society.
