WIMBIZ EQUIPS WOMEN WITH WINNING STRATEGIES TO SHAPE THE FUTURE, BUILD AND SUSTAIN A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD.

Shaping the future and developing winning strategies for women in the long run was the 

focus for Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) during the 2-day 
WIMBIZ 18th Annual Conference on November 7th and 8th at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria 
Island, Lagos.
The 2-day conference themed “Shaping the Future: Strategizing to Win” provided an 
opportunity for frank discussion, deliberation and debate on the future for women in their 
various sectors, and how they build and sustain a successful career. The conference also 
helped equip women with winning strategies to shape the future and provided practical 
solutions to several common issues affecting women professionally and personally.
The gathering, which takes place in November every year, and is the flagship event of 
WIMBIZ. This year, for the first time, attracted what some estimate to be more than 2,000 
attendees over the two-day period.
In her welcome address to delegates, Chairperson, Executive Council, WIMBIZ, Olubunmi 
Aboderin-Talabi explained that the rationale behind the theme for this year’s conference is 
to point to the inherent ability that is latent within each person to make something of their 
future. “We all have the capacity to be proactive in shaping the outcome of our lives” she 
added.
Aboderin-Talabi furthermore urged women to set their goals for the conference and be 
mindful of how these can be achieved. 
The event was chaired by former Chief Judge, Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Rose 
Ukeje, OFR. Justice Ukeje commended WIMBIZ for putting together the conference and their 
consistency over the past 18 years with empowering and inspiring women.
Mrs Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, First Lady, Ekiti State who delivered the keynote address on 
Day 1 of the conference, urged women to be the change they want to see in others. She 
implored women to shield and support one another, rise and set their sights on all the great 
things women can accomplish together.
Giving the keynote address on Day 2 was Fred Swaniker, Founder and CEO, Africa Leadership 
University. Mr Swaniker charged women to be more confident in themselves and their 
abilities.

The conference, which started with a networking breakfast for professionals across different 
sectors, also featured seven plenaries; six breakout sessions and was Live Streamed across 
the world.
The various sessions helped delegates learn how to develop winning strategies to secure 
their seat at the table; collaborate to win; navigate the old boys club; understand consumer 
behaviour for their business; reach the vast number who are not on the internet; overcome 
trauma; silence shame; rise above the imposter syndrome; mitigate unbeneficial financial 
surprises in retirement years; negotiate a fair contract which accurately reflects their worth, 
and much more. 
Recognising and rewarding hard work and potential was one of the highlights of the 
conference with several different awards presented to deserving women. The 2019 Female 
Achievers' Award recongnised trail blazing women in the civil service who have contributed 
to the growth and sustainability of the public sector. The recipients this year were Engr. 
Ebele Okeke, OON, CFR, Chairman/CEO Chantaly Engineering Services and Amal Inyingiala 
Pepple, CFR, Board Member, SunTrust Bank Nigeria Ltd. 
The winners of the WIMBIZ Impact Investment Competition, sponsored by ACT Foundation, 
were also announced at the conference. The 2019 Impact Investment Grant recipients were: 
Augustina Emele, CEO Chais Initiative; Adeike Ogunsade, CEO Crowncare Couture; and Peggy 
Ovat, CEO Peggies Kitchen.
During the closing ceremony of the 2019 WIMBIZ Annual Conference, outgoing Chairman of 
the WIMBIZ Board of Trustees Funmi Roberts handed over the baton of leadership, after her 
three year tenure, to Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, Founder/CEO, DO.II Designs Limited.
Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi handed over the baton of leadership of the WIMBIZ Executive 
Council as Chairperson after her two year tenure to Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo, Head 
Coverage, Rand Merchant Bank, Nigeria.