Lagos, Nigeria – The 24th WIMBIZ Annual Conference convened on 6–7 November 2025 at Eko Hotels & Suites, offering a hybrid experience that combined in-person engagement with virtual accessibility. The event, themed OWN: Own, Walk, Nurture, reinforced WIMBIZ’s mission to empower women in leadership, business, and public service across Nigeria and the broader West African region.
From the moment delegates entered the venue, the atmosphere underscored the conference’s commitment to potential and connection. Attendees engaged with thought leaders, networked with mentors, and explored strategies to accelerate personal and professional growth. WIMBIZ curated an agenda that included keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and opportunities for personal development, including discounted professional headshots and wellness activities.
The conference opened with a powerful welcome from Bisi Adeyemi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, who framed the theme around authenticity, courage, and purpose. Her address set the tone for sessions aimed at helping participants own their narrative and influence decision-making spaces traditionally dominated by men.
In her remarks, Hon. Justice Amina Augie, CFR, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and Conference Chairperson, emphasized that “each of us has a story to tell,” encouraging attendees to embrace their journeys fully and stand firmly in their truth.
The conference also featured high-profile voices from the corporate sector, including Dr. Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager, West Africa, Mastercard, who underscored the importance of advocacy and representation by stating, “You need someone that will speak your name in rooms where you are not.” Such perspectives reinforced the event’s focus on mentorship, networking, and systemic impact in leadership pathways.
WIMBIZ has positioned the conference as more than an annual meeting; it is a platform for action. Participants were encouraged to translate insights into tangible outcomes, from strategic career moves to organizational leadership initiatives. The hybrid format also broadened accessibility, allowing women unable to attend physically to engage fully with the conference content.
By combining practical learning, inspirational messaging, and strategic networking, the 24th WIMBIZ Annual Conference reinforced the organisation’s vision of a generation of women leaders who are equipped to influence business, public service, and civil society in Nigeria and beyond. The event also demonstrated the growing significance of hybrid models in professional development, ensuring that women across the continent can participate in and benefit from transformative leadership platforms.
