Airtel Nigeria, Nigeria’s telecommunications giant, has expressed confidence in the capacity of Nigerian women to become wealth creators and change makers.
Airtel Nigeria hosted a gathering of influential women to mark the International Women’s Day on March 8 in Lagos. This year’s theme was entitled, “Be Bold For Change”.
Speaking at the ground breaking event, Segun Ogunsanya, managing director and chief executive officer of Airtel Nigeria, said Nigerian women have the capacity to become major players in the economic and social spheres.
Ogunsanya admonished women to use the rods in their hands to create the change they want.
“Everyone has got the rod in their hands and it depends on how they interpret the rod in their hand,” he said. “The rod can be your network, qualifications, height or anything, use it to create value for others,” he stated.
He challenged the guests to find the rods and use them wisely, adding that women should not be in the categories of people who watch things happen, rather they should make things happen by using the rods in their hand wisely.
March 8 is often set aside to celebrate intelligent and courageous women who over the years have created impact to the society. This year’s event in Nigeria saw over hundreds of women gather to hear notable speakers discuss issues that cut across career, health, and family.
Ibukun Awosika, first female chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, said women should see themselves as value creators and game changers within their organisations.
“Your life is yours to handle as you like; there is absolutely nothing you cannot achieve yourself,” Awosika said.
He added that women must take the right careers and marital choices to make the best of themselves.
Awosika added that women need to empower themselves by investing in education to fill the knowledge gap and change the narrative of Nigeria economy.
“Look for the gaps between where you are and where you want to go and seek what will prepare you. Also note that learning is a lifetime journey,” she said.
Notable speakers at the event were: Ibukun Awosika, chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Bosede B. Afolabi, associate professor/ consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist at College of
Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria; Funke Felix-Adejumo, pastor, author and teacher; Veronica Odeka, fashion stylist; Udo Okonjo, and Joyce Jacob, CEO of Joyce Jacob Beauty.
ODINAKA ANUDU & ANTHONY NLEBEM
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