The Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has called on women across various fields to continue advocating for female inclusion in top management positions, positively impacting their professions.
This charge was highlighted as WIMBIZ announced plans for its 24th Annual Conference, scheduled for November.
With the theme OWN, the acronym for Own your story, Walk in power, and Nurture the future, women in diverse fields are being urged to chart their own paths and drive meaningful change.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos recently, WIMBIZ leaders emphasised that this year’s conference will mark 24 years of transformative impact and serve as a bold call to action for women’s inclusion at all stages of life and career.
The WIMBIZ Board of Trustees chairman, Bisi Adeyemi, said: “This is the most anticipated event not just on the women’s calendar but arguably in Nigeria. We have delegates coming from across Nigeria and the world. With our line-up of international and local speakers, this is one event that no forward-thinking individual can afford to miss.”
Since its inception, WIMBIZ has championed the inclusion and advancement of women across diverse sectors.
According to Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, a WIMBIZ Board of Trustees member, the organisation has become a formidable force for change.
“WIMBIZ has come a long way. Over the past 24 years, we’ve created lasting impact across industry, public service, management, and beyond.
This conference provides an opportunity to celebrate those wins, reflect on our journey, and launch forward into new possibilities for women in our ecosystem,” she said.
She added, “The annual conference is often a foundational moment in a woman’s personal or professional transformation. For many, it’s the first step into the WIMBIZ community just as it was for me in 2017.”
In her remarks, the executive director of WIMBIZ, Omowunmi Akinbohungbe, described the theme “OWN” as the result of months of deep reflection and strategic thinking. “OWN calls women to embrace their stories—the perfect and imperfect parts alike—and find strength in their lived experiences. We are asking women to walk in power, not in competition or comparison, but in confidence. And finally, to nurture the future by mentoring the next generation and supporting one another,” she said.
This year’s sessions will spotlight women’s systemic and internal obstacles, including imposter syndrome, societal labels, and fear of visibility, while offering strategies for overcoming them.
The chair of the Conference Planning Group, Bimbola Wright, noted that the 2025 conference is even more significant amid ongoing national and global transitions.
“We are at a turning point in the country, and globally, challenges abound, but so do incredible opportunities. The conference reflects that. From young professionals to retirees, we foster cross-generational learning, where wisdom meets innovation.”
Wright confirmed that Justice Amina Augie (Rtd) will chair the 2025 conference, while the keynote address will be delivered by Arume Ote, a globally respected financial strategist, with Olori Atuwatse III, Natalie Beinisch, Dr Morenike Molehin and others to speak at the 24th Annual Conference.
“We don’t just want dialogue; we want delegates to challenge norms, share experiences, and leave empowered,” Wright stated.
WIMBIZ is also amplifying its global influence. Delegates are expected from over 15 countries, including the UK, the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Singapore, and even Belarus.
Akinbohungbe reiterated, “Our impact is no longer just Pan-African as it’s global. Women around the world are joining our sessions and programs. This shows the power of community and the hunger for meaningful engagement and leadership development.”
