Women in Management, Business and Public service (WIMBIZ), a non-for-profit organisation has called on women to demonstrate commitment in breaking barriers that may impede their progress in their chosen businesses or careers.
The call was made at the 22nd anniversary of WIMBIZ conference which came under the theme, ‘Mission I’m possible: thrive.’
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Speaking at the Eko Hotel Suites Lagos, the venue of the two-day conference, chair of the conference planning group, Molade Adeniyi said that gender was not a limitation, but a strength, adding that they should ignore stereotypes and prejudices which serve as tools to deter them from outrivaling in their diverse scopes of life.
On her part, conference Chairperson, Bimbo Oloyede shared a motivational mantra, focusing on personal empowerment.
Oloyede however, urged women to nurture qualities and skills that promote personal growth adding, “We need to be awesome people with a solid foundation so we can thrive.”
Also speaking at the event which had in participation over 2,5000 women from all walks of life, Group CEO of Landmark Africa, Paul Onwuanibe identified principles to success, which include resilience (staying power), adaptability, having Olympic mindset, passionate, honesty and being principled as well as excellence.
He however, urged participants at the conference to make deliberate effort for sacrifice, adding that if they need something which they never had, they had to do something to get it.
In her contribution, WIMBIZ Chairman, Bisi Adeyemi opined that the theme was appropriate given the situation of the country and the difficulties Nigerians are facing.
“A lot of women have done exceedingly well and that was what spurred the need to encourage other women who have not done well to know that it is possible to thrive in spite of the difficult times such as we are in.
“I do not expect the women after the conference to be the same. We expect that they would be inspired, motivated and because they have been empowered to get their dreams achieved.
“Things might not necessarily get better because of the economy and what is going on around the world but because they can thrive even in difficult times, then, it is possible and they should go and get it,” she said.
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Speaking earlier, chairman conference planning committee, Molade Adeniyi, disclosed that over 310,000 women in management, business and public service have been impacted since the inception of WIMBIZ conference.
Explaining further she said: “WIMBIZ has over the last 22 years remained resolute and committed to its mission of being the catalyst that elevates the profile of women and to this end, we have vigorously focused on the four pillars of WIMBIZ which are inspire, empower, advocate and connect,
“Over the years, the programmes committee has collaborated with both local and international strategic partners to deliver programmes and initiatives which have impacted thousands. The programmes ranged from intimate roundtable discussions focusing on pertinent issues around the economy, business, career, self-development, use of technology and much more to hands-on workshops that provide practical experience and learning that is easily transferable to produce results.’’
The Executive Director, WIMBIZ, Hansatu Adegbite, who also spoke at the event, said the theme of the conference was ideal, adding, that it was triggered by the myriad of challenges and seemingly impossible situations both locally and globally.
In addition she said: “Many decisions people have taken either to stay afloat and survive especially after the COVID years have impacted businesses positively or negatively.
“We see women thriving, pushing past the barriers, and defying the odds to excel. This conference is focused in reminding ourselves that we can overcome every limitation in order to thrive.
“The WIMBIZ story has impacted many people. People come through the WIMBIZ conference and they have been inspired. Irrespective of all the challenges that women are facing, some women in this same Nigeria have excelled and they are teaching other women how to follow suit. I am optimistic that every delegate after the conference will become a better person.
“Nigeria, known for its rich cultural heritage, has always been the birthplace of countless women who have embodied the spirit of ‘Mission I’m Possible.’ These women have shattered ceilings, broken boundaries, and achieved extraordinary things, showing the world that gender is not a limitation but a source of strength.”
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Some of the participants who spoke at the event, lauded the organisers of the conference, describing the two-day programme as an eye opener.
They were optimistic that the knowledge they acquired during the event would go a long way in helping them to excel in their various fields of endeavour.
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