The 24th WIMBIZ Annual Conference brought together thousands of women leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, policymakers, and visionaries from across Africa and the globe — with delegates joining from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ghana, Cameroon, the United Arab Emirates, and beyond.
Chaired by Hon. Justice Amina Augie (Rtd.), Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the two-day hybrid event featured four plenary sessions, two deep-dive sessions, a fireside chat, and an exciting debate — all centred on empowering women to own their stories, walk in power, and nurture the next generation.
Women Attendees
Speakers
Women Impacted (Since Inception)
Years of Impact
Former Vice President & Treasurer, World Bank
Returning to the WIMBIZ stage 14 years after her first annual lecture, Dr. Oteh delivered a powerful keynote challenging women to monetize their passion, proficiency, partnerships, and past experiences. She urged attendees to take ownership of Nigeria's extraordinary potential, linking women's leadership directly to national development.
She praised WIMBIZ for impacting over 340,000 women, touching 78,000 families, and mentoring 10,000 young girls through its Next Generation programme — calling it "nothing short of transformational."
From wealth building to wellness, intergenerational collaboration to tax reform — the conference tackled the issues that matter most to women today.
Speakers including Sola Adesakin (Smart Stewards), Richmond Bassey (Bamboo), Dr. Folasade Femi-Lawal (Mastercard, West Africa), and Dr. Olaitan Martins (FirstBank) discussed how women can turn expertise and passion into sustainable wealth.
A thought-provoking session that challenged the traditional concept of retirement, encouraging women to see their later years as a powerful new chapter of purpose-driven leadership, mentorship, and reinvention.
This session explored holistic wellness — mental, physical, and emotional — as a continuous journey rather than a checkbox. Speakers emphasised that taking care of yourself is foundational to effective leadership.
Panelists Rabi Isma, Ore Lawani, Akomu Omoye, and Funke Amobi shared insights on bridging generational divides, encouraging seasoned leaders and young professionals to collaborate with courage and intention.
NBC's Oluwasoromidayo George joined other notable leaders to share insights on navigating leadership from a place of purpose. She stressed being intentional, strategic, and authentic — noting that vulnerability builds trust and connection.
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, led a deeply engaging session on Nigeria's evolving tax landscape. He emphasized transparency and accountability, urging women-owned businesses to stay informed.
The conference honoured groundbreaking achievements and empowered the next wave of women entrepreneurs.
Honoured as Nigeria's first female President of the Nigerian Bar Association, celebrated for her trailblazing role in legal advocacy and inclusion.
Recognised as Nigeria's first deaf female lawyer, honoured for her courage and determination in legal advocacy and championing disability inclusion.
Nigerian Bottling Company awarded ₦1 million grants to two entrepreneurs — Toyibah Shehu Mohammed (FarhM's Food & Sauce) and Helen Gabriel (Ogy's Cakes) — for their resilience, creativity, and economic impact potential.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, reaffirmed the state's commitment to women's leadership, equity, and inclusion as central to sustainable development. He revealed that over 40% of his executive council members and more than half of the state's permanent secretaries are women — an unprecedented milestone in governance.
WIMBIZ Executive Director Omowunmi Akingbohungbe highlighted the Women in Leadership Coalition — formed with WISCAR and the Nigerian Governors' Forum — which champions at least 35% female representation on corporate boards and in federal and state cabinets, alongside progressive labour reforms including a minimum 16 weeks maternity leave with full pay.
Including 16 weeks maternity leave with full pay and 2 weeks paternity leave
At least 35% female representation on corporate boards
Targeting 35%+ female representation in federal and state cabinets
What attendees, speakers, and partners shared across social media.
This year at the WIMBIZ Annual Conference, our theme is OWN – Own. Walk. Nurture. We are calling on women everywhere to rise boldly: Own your story with confidence. Walk in power without fear. Nurture the future with love.
View on X →Nigerian Bottling Company reinforced its commitment to women's empowerment at the WIMBIZ conference. NBC awarded ₦1M grants to two outstanding women entrepreneurs while speakers championed vulnerability as strength in leadership.
Read on BellaNaija →The WIMBIZ conference sounded a clarion call for collective action to unlock Nigeria's extraordinary potential. Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the government's commitment to women's leadership as central to sustainable development.
Read on THISDAY →WIMBIZ Annual Conference 2025 — O.W.N (Own. Walk. Nurture). The energy, the conversations, the connections. Two days of transformational sessions with women leaders from across Africa and the diaspora.
View on Instagram →From opening session to closing panel, the two-day event buzzed with inspiring conversations. Attendees described the experience as "transformative," applauding WIMBIZ for creating a space that inspires women to lead boldly.
Read Full Coverage →Registration NOW closes on October 29, 2025. Secure your seat for the WIMBIZ 24th Annual Conference. Join over 2,600 women from diverse areas of the corporate, business, and public sectors for two days of inspiration and impact.
View on Facebook →At the conference, Sola Adesakin revealed plans for WIMBIZ Real Estate — a new platform aimed at addressing Nigeria's rising rent prices and empowering women to explore property investment opportunities. Stay connected for updates.
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