By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
On Friday, December 13, 2024, the Industry Women Conference 2.0 took place at the CIBN House, Victoria Island, Lagos. This significant event celebrated women who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, creativity, mentorship, and philanthropy in their respective fields.
The conference, themed “Tools Women Need to Succeed,” featured a diverse lineup of distinguished speakers, including Abiodun Olabintan, Group Head of Women Banking at Access Bank, and Maureen Adeteye, Head of Brand and Communications at Wema Bank. These speakers, among others, provided invaluable insights on the tools and strategies essential for empowering women to excel in their careers and assume leadership roles in Nigeria.
Opening Remarks: A Call to Action
In his welcome address, Mr. Goddie Efosa, the convener of the conference and publisher of Industry Newspaper, emphasized the importance of celebrating outstanding women leaders who are driving positive change. He urged women to actively pursue leadership opportunities and leverage their influence to inspire others.
In a later interview, Mr. Efosa remarked:
“This conference has become a platform to recognize women breaking barriers in their fields. This year’s theme, ‘Tools Women Need to Succeed,’ underscores the importance of equipping women with the resources to thrive both personally and professionally.”
Keynote Addresses: Building Success through Tools and Resilience
Throughout the event, the speakers provided actionable insights on the theme, touching on critical areas such as technology, mentorship, and self-development:
Abiodun Olabintan highlighted technology as a transformative tool for success, describing it as an enabler rather than a barrier. Drawing from her journey as a Chemical Engineering graduate turned banking executive, she encouraged women to remain adaptable and proactive in pursuing their goals. She also reminded women to maintain respect and balance in their personal relationships, particularly in marriage.
Maureen Adeteye offered a detailed analysis of tools for professional growth. She stressed the importance of collaboration and support among women, stating:
“Our collective efforts help us grow and strengthen the brands we represent. Women must continue to support one another to create lasting impact in all spheres of life.”
Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head for Customer Experience at Polaris Bank, underscored the importance of preparation and embracing emerging technologies like AI. She emphasized networking and mentorship as cornerstones for success, stating:
“Don’t wait for opportunities to find you—equip yourself now. Technology can help you work smarter, and strong relationships can open doors that lead to meaningful achievements.”
Ufoma Ogeleka, Vice President of Commercial Operations at UAC Nigeria Plc., highlighted the transformative power of mentorship and self-awareness. She advised women to harness their strengths and weaknesses to contribute meaningfully to society, remarking:
“Success begins with self-realization. You must understand your unique value and take deliberate steps toward achieving your goals while paving the way for others to follow.”
Fostering a Culture of Leadership Among Women
The conference also provided a platform to celebrate achievements through the Industry Women Leadership Awards, recognizing exceptional women across various sectors. The honorees shared their personal stories and encouraged women to leverage mentorship, education, and collaboration to achieve greater representation in leadership roles.
Reflections and Takeaways
The event concluded with celebrations, networking opportunities, and parting gifts from sponsors, leaving attendees inspired to take actionable steps toward their growth. The message was clear: success is achievable when women are equipped with the right tools and united in their pursuit of excellence.
The Industry Women Conference 2.0 was not just an event; it was a movement—a call for women across Nigeria to rise, lead, and redefine the future of leadership in the country.
