Opportunities - Women Times

Moniepoint Kicks Off Sixth Women in Tech Internship with “There Is Space for You” Campaign

by Women Times on April 1, 2026

Moniepoint Inc., Africa’s fastest-growing financial institution and a leader in digital financial services, has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 edition of its Women in Tech internship programme. Now in its sixth year, the programme continues to grow its reach across Nigeria. This year’s campaign, themed “There Is Space for You,” is a direct call to women nationwide—those with talent, drive, and ambition—who have faced challenges accessing opportunities in the tech industry.

The choice of the theme underscores intentionality. Despite notable progress in recent years, women make up only 25% of Nigeria’s tech workforce, even though they constitute nearly half of the population and 22% of annual STEM graduates. Moniepoint’s Women in Tech initiative has spent five years working to close this gap, providing access and opportunities for women to thrive in the industry.

Building on the success of last year’s “Dream 15” cohort—the programme’s largest intake to date—the 2026 edition aims to expand opportunities further. It will offer more roles in some of the most sought-after disciplines in the industry, including Cloud Engineering, Frontend and Backend Engineering, Data Engineering, Systems Administration, Product Management, Information Security, Mobile Engineering, and Site Reliability Engineering. These roles are foundational to the future of digital finance in Africa, and Moniepoint is committed to positioning women at the heart of this transformation.

Successful applicants will receive a competitive salary, work tools, branded merchandise, and direct mentorship from seasoned professionals across the company. As with previous cohorts, high performers will be considered for full-time employment—an opportunity that has already transformed many women’s careers since the programme’s inception.

The real success stories underpin this year’s campaign. Over 8,000 applications were received last year, resulting in 15 interns. Among them are young women like Uzoamaka Anyaegbuna, Adaeze Ugwumba, Iyinoluwa Akenroye, Loveth Abang, and Bisola Abimbola, who joined as interns and have since become what Moniepoint calls “DreamMakers”—full-time employees leading projects, building systems, and shaping the company’s products from within.

A common critique of internships is that they often lack substance. Bisola Abimbola’s experience at Moniepoint, however, was the opposite; she was treated as a peer from day one.

“I can confidently say the internship was one of the best things that’s happened in my career. I was given real product ownership, working on multiple projects and driving them forward like an actual product manager, not just observing from the sidelines. Projects were thrown at me with an implicit question: ‘Can you handle this?’ I had to step up, own the outcomes, and actually deliver. That experience made me comfortable with the autonomy and accountability I now have. This hands-on experience made all the difference and solidified my resolve that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Chinaza Nduka-Dike, Head of People Operations at Moniepoint Inc., reiterated the company’s dedication to the initiative. “With the Women in Tech programme, we are not just inspiring inclusion, we are actively creating sustainable pathways for women to thrive in the tech industry. This is a space where diversity fuels innovation, and through programmes like this, we are empowering women to take on leadership roles, develop crucial skills, and shape the future of technology. The progress we have seen across five cohorts, where alumni have gone on to make significant contributions to the company and the wider tech ecosystem, fills us with pride. There is space for the next generation, and we are ready for them.”

The launch of the 2026 campaign coincides with the conclusion of Women’s Month and exemplifies Moniepoint’s broader commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality. These initiatives reflect a firm conviction: empowering women is an ongoing responsibility that requires sustained investment in access, skill development, and creating a sense of belonging.

Applications open on March 30, 2026. The programme is open to women across Nigeria seeking to start or pivot their careers in technology—whether self-taught or formally trained. More details on available roles and application procedures can be found on the Women in Tech website: https://womenintech.moniepoint

Empowerment

Proudly Nigerian! Nabila Aguele Makes History as New Global CEO of Malala Fund

by Women Times on March 31, 2026

By Prosper Mene

In a landmark appointment that has Nigerians beaming with pride, Nabila Aguele has been named the next Chief Executive Officer of the Malala Fund. Effective April 1, 2026, she becomes the organisation’s first global CEO based in Nigeria — one of the Malala Fund’s priority countries and home to one of the world’s highest numbers of out-of-school girls.

Nabila Aguele, a proud Nigerian leader with deep roots in policy, advocacy, and sustainable development, currently serves as Chief Executive of Malala Fund Nigeria. Since joining in 2024, she has steered the country office with remarkable impact, overseeing nearly $3 million in grants to local education advocates and championing a civil society coalition that uses education as a powerful tool to end child marriage.

Her appointment follows a carefully planned leadership transition from outgoing CEO Lena Alfi, who served the organisation for nearly nine years (including three as CEO) and successfully launched the Malala Fund’s 2025–2030 strategy.

Nabila Aguele shared her excitement in a heartfelt statement:

“I am honoured to step into this role at such an important moment for girls’ education and for Malala Fund. Having grown within this organisation and led our work in Nigeria, I know the strength of this team, the ambition of our strategy and the power of our partnerships. Building on Lena’s leadership, I am committed to deepening our impact and ensuring that every girl can claim the education she deserves.”

Malala Yousafzai, co-founder of the Malala Fund and Executive Board Chair, praised the choice:

“Nabila is the leader this moment calls for. She brings deep policy and advocacy experience, trusted leadership within Malala Fund and a close understanding of what it takes to drive change for girls from the ground up. I am deeply grateful to Lena for guiding Malala Fund through an important period of transformation and helping build the foundation for this next chapter. I have every confidence in what Nabila and our team will achieve together.”

Ziauddin Yousafzai, co-founder and Board Member, added:

“I have seen Nabila’s leadership up close, and she brings a rare combination of wisdom, integrity and deep understanding of the realities girls face. She is the right leader to carry this work forward.”

With over 20 years of cross-sector experience spanning law, public policy, and international development in both Nigeria and the United States, Nabila previously served as Special Adviser to Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning. In that role, she championed gender-responsive fiscal policies and played a key part in crafting the country’s Integrated National Financing Framework.

The Malala Fund, co-founded by Malala Yousafzai and her father Ziauddin, works relentlessly to ensure every girl can access and complete 12 years of quality education. Through grantmaking and bold advocacy, the organisation has awarded more than $9 million in grants in the past year alone to over 40 partners across 10 countries. In Nigeria specifically, it has invested over $7.8 million since 2014, with Nabila’s leadership further amplifying locally-driven solutions.

This appointment is not just a personal triumph for Nabila Aguele — it is a powerful statement of confidence in African leadership and the power of homegrown solutions to tackle global challenges. As Nigeria continues to produce world-class changemakers, her elevation to the helm of one of the most influential girls’ education organisations in the world fills every Nigerian heart with pride.

Congratulations, Nabila! The future of girls’ education just got a whole lot brighter with a Nigerian sister leading the charge.

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AXA Mansard Extends Support for Women Entrepreneurs at Herconomy Conference 2026

by Women Times on March 31, 2026

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has renewed its partnership with Herconomy by sponsoring the upcoming Herconomy Conference 2026. This collaboration aims to enhance financial inclusion and expand economic opportunities for women across Nigeria.

As part of the partnership, the insurer will lead the conference’s Enterprise Challenge—an initiative designed to support women-led businesses through funding and increased visibility. This move underscores AXA Mansard’s dedication to creating sustainable pathways for female entrepreneurs.

The Herconomy Conference, an annual event organized by the fintech platform, has become one of Nigeria’s premier forums for promoting women’s financial independence and career development. With a community of over 15,000 members, the event is expected to draw more than 1,000 female professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Discussions will focus on wealth creation, career growth, and the long-term economic impact of empowering women.

AXA Mansard stated that its ongoing partnership reflects a strategic effort to improve women’s financial resilience by providing greater access to essential tools, knowledge, and networks necessary for thriving in an evolving economy.

Building on the success of the 2025 edition, which saw women entrepreneurs receive financial backing through a competitive pitch process, the partnership continues to support women’s economic advancement. Notable winners included Pemnia Wellness founder Opeyemi Adebisi, who received ₦1.5 million, and Bilqis Idaro of Posh Meals, who secured ₦1 million as first runner-up. Chimdiebube Orji, founder of Springsentia, was awarded ₦500,000 as second runner-up.

Commenting on the initiative, Adebola Surakat, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, emphasized the importance of financial empowerment for women, stating, “empowering women financially remains critical to inclusive and sustainable development.” She added that providing women with access to financial knowledge and resources can unlock broader economic potential.

Surakat also highlighted the company’s “AXA She Is In Charge” initiative, which offers women access to empowerment programs, expert-led sessions, and professional networks designed to support personal and financial growth.

Through its support of the Enterprise Challenge and participation in the conference, AXA Mansard affirmed its commitment to advocating for inclusive financial solutions that enable women to establish resilient businesses and secure their financial futures.

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Driving Healthcare Innovation: AXA Mansard Health Partners with AMSA for 2026 Conference

by Women Times on March 25, 2026

AXA Mansard Health has announced its sponsorship of the 2026 edition of the Association of Medical Students of Africa (AMSA) Conference. This prominent event gathers hundreds of medical students, healthcare advocates, and emerging professionals from across Africa to exchange ideas, explore innovations, and discuss the future of healthcare in the region.

According to Tope Adeniyi, CEO of AXA Mansard Health Limited, the sponsorship underscores the company’s dedication to advancing healthcare knowledge, fostering strong professional networks within the medical community, and nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. He emphasized that supporting platforms like AMSA is vital for nurturing innovation in the healthcare space. “As Africa’s healthcare landscape is evolving, so in addition to driving collaboration between providers, insurers; we must also support knowledge platforms that will midwife the next phase of development for our sector. So, after review by our team, we think the AMSA Conference holds potentials because it is a dynamic platform for young medical professionals to exchange knowledge, learn from experts, and explore how they can positively impact healthcare in their communities,” Adeniyi explained.

He further stated, “This is in consonance with our purpose of Acting for Human Progress by protecting what matters. We are convinced that the outcomes of conferences like AMSA can inspire the new innovations that will improve our collective healthcare experience in Nigeria and Africa.”

Through this sponsorship, AXA Mansard Health aims to spark conversations around preventive care, patient-centered approaches, and innovative strategies to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and effective. The conference program features keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, practical workshops, and networking opportunities designed to equip participants with valuable knowledge and professional connections.

For AXA Mansard Health, this initiative is part of a broader commitment to promote health awareness, professional development, and innovation within healthcare. By engaging with medical students and emerging professionals, the organization seeks to reinforce the focus on preventive care, patient-centered services, and the long-term enhancement of healthcare delivery.

The 2026 AMSA Conference is expected to draw participants from medical schools and healthcare institutions across Africa, establishing itself as one of the continent’s premier events for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Empowerment

Fidelity Bank Launches ‘Give Her Power’ Initiative and Signs MoU to Boost Women’s Economic Empowerment in Nigeria

by Women Times on March 11, 2026

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Innoson Kiara Academy, Endi Ezengwa; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos State, Bolaji Cecilia Dada; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; and Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the launch of “Give Her Power” initiative as part of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) activities at the Fidelity Bank Head Office in Lagos, recently.

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering Nigerian women through the launch of its innovative “Give Her Power” initiative. The bank also formalized strategic partnerships with key organizations by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), aimed at equipping women with essential skills, mentorship, financial literacy, and enterprise support.

The event, which brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, IVM Innoson, the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), and One Universe—underscored the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth.

Central to this initiative is the Bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, a structured platform that offers vocational training and sustainable business opportunities across various sectors to women nationwide.

During the launch, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized that the bank’s ‘HerFidelity’ initiative underscores its steadfast commitment to creating opportunities that empower women to attain financial independence and build sustainable businesses. She stated, “At Fidelity Bank, we strongly believe that empowering women is not only a social responsibility but also a powerful economic strategy. Through the ‘Give Her Power’ initiative and the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, we are providing women with practical tools, vocational skills and financial knowledge that will enable them to move from effort to earnings and from hustle to sustainable enterprise.”

The bank plans to implement various interventions throughout March, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led microbusinesses. Additional activities include vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making, and shoe making. The initiative also features professional headshot sessions to bolster women’s personal and professional brands, mentorship engagements with leading female entrepreneurs, and practical skill development in makeup artistry, nail care, and traditional headgear tying.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe highlighted the broader impact of empowering women: “When women are empowered economically, the impact extends far beyond individuals. It strengthens families, grows businesses, and uplifts entire communities. Research suggests that advancing women could add up to $12 trillion to global GDP. This reinforces the need to deliberately create platforms that support women to build sustainable businesses and strengthen their economic independence.”

The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, praised Fidelity Bank for its leadership in championing entrepreneurship and supporting women. She stated, “This initiative strongly aligns with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building an inclusive economy where women have access to skills, mentorship and financial opportunities they need to thrive. Women remain key drivers of commerce and enterprise across Lagos, from traditional markets to emerging digital sectors. This initiative by Fidelity Bank has ensured that we stayed true to the promoting and supporting women.”

Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, also commended Fidelity Bank for its efforts in financial inclusion and economic independence for women, emphasizing that “Empowering women economically is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and strengthen communities. We commend Fidelity Bank for this forward-thinking initiative and for demonstrating how collaboration between the private sector and government can create meaningful opportunities for women across the state.”

Representatives from partner organizations expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank for the collaboration, noting that the partnership will significantly expand vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities for women.

The “Give Her Power” initiative aims to empower hundreds of women through skill acquisition, mentorship, and startup funding, reinforcing the vital role women play in Nigeria’s economic development.

Fidelity Bank Plc, ranked among Nigeria’s top banks, serves over 10 million customers through its extensive digital banking channels, 255 branches across Nigeria, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received numerous awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI), the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application by Global Business Outlook, and recognition as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by Euromoney Awards for Excellence.

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“Redefining Influence”: NIMN Launches Initiative for Women in Marketing Ahead of International Women’s Day

by Women Times on March 4, 2026

The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has announced the launch of its inaugural LeadHers in Marketing Conference, a landmark event designed to empower, mentor, and elevate women within the marketing profession. Scheduled to take place on Friday, 6th March 2026 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the conference is themed “Redefining Influence: Women Shaping the Future of Marketing”.

The initiative marks a strategic shift for the Institute, moving beyond simple representation to actively driving leadership and visibility for women in the industry. By aligning the event with the month of March to coincide with International Women’s Day, NIMN aims to celebrate the strides women have made while addressing the “ground still to cover” in reaching top-tier leadership roles.

Dr Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, President of NIMN at the Press Conference held at the institute’s Secretariat, explained that the “LeadHers” initiative was born out of a desire to see women move past functional marketing areas into visionary leadership positions.

“For us, it’s not just about saying we are women in marketing,” Dr Bayo-Ajayi stated. “The vision is to ensure that we’re building women into leadership positions by providing a platform to drive visibility, make an impact, and provide mentorship”. She noted that while women have made significant progress, there remains a “general assumption” that marketing roles do not always lead to the same executive heights as fields like finance. The initiative seeks to “clean that narrative” by focusing on capability, career development, and professional integrity.

Discussing the choice of theme, Dr Bayo-Ajayi highlighted that influence in the modern marketing landscape is shifting. “Redefining Influence” focuses on moving away from personal achievement toward building a “pipeline” for the next generation.

“The job doesn’t end in your personal achievements,” the President remarked. “It’s actually how you then begin to build a pipeline and encourage other women to learn from your journey. If there’s nothing that bridges the gap between the old and the new, then the process is truncated”.

The conference will feature a prestigious array of guest speakers and industry veterans carefully chosen for their ability to inspire and lead.

Special Guest of Honour: The event will be graced by Folashade Bada Ambrose, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment for Lagos State. Her presence underscores the Institute’s close ties with the government, as the NIMN was established by an Act of Parliament under the Ministry of Commerce.

The keynote address will be delivered by the Osayi Alile, CEO of Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation(ACT). Though she comes from the NGO and grant-giving sector rather than a traditional marketing background, Dr Bayo-Ajayi noted she was selected as a “leader who inspires” to demonstrate that leadership transcends specific industries.

Following the keynote, a panel of three distinguished women—including industry leaders such as Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs , Seplat Energy; Adebola Williams, Marketing Director at Promasidor; and Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka ,Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) will discuss the future of women in marketing and the evolving nature of influence. The session will be moderated by Chizor Malize, Director-General of the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC),, a prominent member of the NIMN.

A highlight of the day will be a Fireside Chat featuring Folake Soetan, CEO of Ikeja Electric PLC. This session will focus on digital visibility and how leveraging the digital space can drive a personal brand and career growth. The chat will be moderated by Tosin Adefeko, Founder and CEO of AT3 Resources.

The LeadHers in Marketing Conference aims to target a broad audience, from students aspiring to enter the profession to women in FMCG, government, and the wider marketing ecosystem. Ultimately, the NIMN hopes to position Nigeria as a hub for competent women leaders who can contribute meaningfully to the industry and the nation at large.

“We want our women to get to leadership positions and strengthen the path from marketing to other executive roles,” Dr Bayo-Ajayi concluded.

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Empowering Women in Communications: Experiencing Public Relations Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with Global Outreach

by Women Times on February 22, 2026

Experiencing Public Relations, the flagship initiative of the Public Relations Women Foundation, is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a significant step onto the international stage. The organisation has announced the launch of a five-part global webinar series, developed in strategic partnership with leading institutions and prominent ecosystem collaborators across multiple regions worldwide.

As the Foundation’s premier gathering for women leaders, entrepreneurs, government professionals, and senior decision-makers, Experiencing PR examines how public relations and strategic communications deliver measurable economic, societal, and institutional value—particularly within emerging markets. Over the past four years, the Summit has established itself as a respected cross-sector platform where women in leadership engage in high-level dialogue on the influence of narrative, reputation, and communication in fostering sustainable growth. Marking this milestone year, Experiencing Public Relations is expanding its reach beyond Nigeria’s borders, heralding a new era of cross-continental dialogue and collaboration around the strategic role of public relations in business and governance.

According to the Convener, Tolulope Olorundero, the international expansion reflects both growth and intentionality. “From the beginning, Experiencing Public Relations was never designed to be just another industry event. It was built as a platform, one that positions public relations as an economic contributor to national, continental, and global development, especially in emerging markets. Public Relations itself is a leadership function central to innovation, investment, and sustainable economic growth. As we mark five years, taking the Summit global is a natural progression of that vision.”

The five webinars will be hosted in collaboration with carefully selected international partners from Africa, Asia, and North America. Each session will bring together women in leadership—including high-level executives, founders, policymakers, and communications experts—to explore how narrative strategies shape markets, influence capital flows, strengthen institutions, and foster competitive advantage amid an increasingly complex global economy.

Over the years, Experiencing Public Relations has distinguished itself by convening diverse stakeholders and championing a core message: that strategic communication is not peripheral but foundational to business success. Through thought leadership, high-level conversations, and cross-sector engagement, the platform has consistently demonstrated how public relations impacts investment outcomes, brand longevity, policy development, and public trust.

This global expansion underscores the increasing influence of Experiencing Public Relations within international business circles and reinforces its commitment to elevating women’s leadership in the communications industry. By forging partnerships across continents, the platform aims to build stronger bridges between industries, governments, and emerging markets—particularly amplifying conversations around women’s entrepreneurship and the power of narrative in the Global South.

As Experiencing PR embarks on this new chapter, the expansion reflects the broader mission of the Public Relations Women Foundation: to elevate women’s leadership, uphold professional standards, and promote inclusive participation within the industry. Through its expanding global footprint, the Foundation continues to position public relations as a strategic pillar for economic and institutional progress worldwide.

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Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Empowers 200 Women with ICT and Vocational Tools

by Women Times on January 20, 2026

By Prosper Mene

In taking step towards promoting women’s economic independence and poverty reduction, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has empowered 200 women with vocational tools and startup resources following their successful completion of skill acquisition training.

The initiative, part of the O’Datiwa Skill Up a Woman Initiative (also referred to as O’Datiwa Skill Acquisition Programme), culminated in a graduation ceremony for the first batch of 2025 trainees held in Akure on Tuesday. The beneficiaries underwent six months of intensive training in various trades, equipping them with practical skills to foster self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

The training covered diverse areas, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), tailoring (fashion designing), soap making, catering services (including confectionaries and baking), interior decoration, and other vocational skills. To ensure immediate application of their newly acquired expertise, the state government presented the graduates with relevant startup tools and equipment. These included laptops for ICT trainees, sewing machines for fashion designers, flour mixers and ovens for bakers and caterers, as well as grants for some participants to serve as startup capital.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented at the event, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to expanding skill acquisition programmes as a key strategy for job creation and economic empowerment, particularly among women. He emphasized that the programme transforms unemployed individuals into skilled, confident, and self-sustaining entrepreneurs, aligning with broader goals of poverty alleviation and gender equality.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative. She noted that the government has demonstrated that women require genuine empowerment, through skills and resources, rather than mere handouts or tokenism. “Women are multipliers with the ability to invest wisely when empowered,” she stated, adding that the 200 beneficiaries can now sustain themselves and contribute to building future generations without facing ridicule or dependency.

This empowerment drive shows Governor Aiyedatiwa’s people-centered “OUR EASE” policy thrust, which prioritizes inclusive development, youth and women engagement, and sustainable livelihoods. The programme is expected to boost local economies by enabling participants to establish small businesses, generate income, and support their families.

Empowerment

Queens Palm Support Initiative Turns Two, Inspires Young Minds with Skills for Success

by Women Times on November 20, 2025

The Queens Palm Support Initiative commemorated its second anniversary with a transformative leadership and communication workshop aimed at empowering young people aged 15 to 35 with vital soft skills for personal, academic, and professional growth. Held in Lagos, the event featured intensive sessions on Leadership Skills, Effective Communication, Personal Branding, Emotional Intelligence, and Counselling. Participants from various schools across Lagos, including Laureates College, Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Lagos Anglican Grammar School, Topgrade Schools, and International School Lagos (ISL), attended the program.

Sabrina Ozma, founder of the Initiative, shared that the program was born from her experiences as a communications specialist and a divine calling to create an empowering platform for youth development. She revealed that the initiative, which launched in Abuja in 2023, has experienced significant growth over the past two years, driven by a desire to equip young individuals with soft skills that promote excellence and strong character.

Ozma acknowledged that the journey has not been without challenges, including misunderstandings from some schools and limited funding. Nevertheless, she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support from family and friends, which has kept the vision alive. She emphasized that the core aim of the initiative is to see young people thrive, develop leadership qualities, communicate effectively, and cultivate the mindset needed for future influence. This year’s workshop provided attendees with valuable insights into emotional intelligence, personal branding, leadership, and mental resilience.

Joshua Ajayi, founder and publisher of Brand Communicator, described the workshop as profoundly impactful. He shared that he stayed beyond his session to learn from other facilitators and urged participants to be intentional about building their personal brands and living in ways that leave a lasting, meaningful impression even in their absence.

Bodam Taiwo, founder of the Refined Female Movement, cited her motivation as her vision and the lives connected to her purpose. Speaking on leadership and discipline, she encouraged young people, especially those interested in fields like engineering, to strengthen their minds, embrace discipline, practice delayed gratification, and stay focused on achieving greatness.

Personal Development Coach Temitayo Olawale-Olatujoye expressed her delight at witnessing young participants gain insights she didn’t have at their age. She emphasized the importance of cultivating emotional intelligence intentionally and urged attendees to approach life with purpose and deliberate decision-making.

Relationship Coach Dr. Funmilayo Ajetunmobi described her participation as an honor, noting that shaping young minds is one of the most rewarding investments. She highlighted emotional intelligence as a foundation for sustaining relationships and unlocking opportunities, stressing that talent alone is insufficient without the ability to manage emotions and relate well to others.

Participants shared their reflections. Yomisun Amira from International School UNILAG stated the workshop helped her become more expressive and self-aware. Anjola Oluwamushin of Laureates College said she gained confidence and clarity about discovering her purpose, while Chineme Okpala-Nedu of Lagos Anglican Grammar School noted that she learned the importance of self-belief and maintaining a strong vision for her future.

The Queens Palm Support Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young people with leadership, communication, emotional intelligence, and personal development skills—essential tools for shaping their future, transforming communities, and influencing society for generations to come.

Empowerment

Nigerian Bottling Company Reinforces Commitment to Women’s Empowerment at WIMBIZ 2025

by Women Times on November 11, 2025

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd., a prominent player in the consumer packaged goods industry and part of the Coca-Cola HBC group, reaffirmed its dedication to women’s empowerment and leadership during the 24th Annual WIMBIZ Conference. Held on November 6–7, 2025, at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, the event themed “Own. Walk. Nurture.” brought together influential women leaders across sectors.

During a key panel titled “Leading from the Inside Out: Balancing Ambition, Vulnerability & Purpose,” Oluwasoromidayo George, NBC’s Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, shared valuable insights on authentic leadership rooted in purpose. Drawing from her extensive experience, she emphasized the importance of intentionality, strategy, and authenticity in navigating career growth.

George highlighted that workplaces today must evolve to better support individuals through personal and professional challenges, fostering environments where women can thrive and make meaningful contributions. She underscored that qualities such as authenticity, emotional intelligence, and vulnerability are vital leadership traits that foster trust and influence within organizations.

“Vulnerability, in my view, is about being open and confident at work. It helps build connection and trust, especially with influential stakeholders. Stay true to yourself and your values wherever you are. Be kind to yourself and others. Women must show up, and they must show up well,” she stated.

Demonstrating its commitment to women-led enterprises, NBC awarded a N1 million grant each to two entrepreneurs, Toyibah Shehu Mohammed of FarhM’s Food and Sauce Global Limited and Helen Gabriel of Ogy’s Cakes. The recipients were recognized for their resilience, creativity, and potential to create economic impact. Both expressed gratitude for NBC’s support and the platform provided to scale their businesses.

Jolomi Fawehinmi, NBC’s People & Culture Director, reaffirmed the company’s belief in the transformative power of women entrepreneurship. “Women-led businesses significantly contribute to our economy and community development. To all women participating in the Entrepreneurship Masterclass, your commitment to growth and excellence is commendable,” she said.