By Ebunoluwa Sessou

CEO of MainOne, Funke Opeke among other recipients would be honoured by the Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), at the 16th Annual Leadership and Mentoring Conference scheduled to hold on December 12, 2024, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

She will be honored with the Distinguished WISCAR Award for her trailblazing contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation and efforts to bridge the connectivity gap across Africa.

Other notable speakers include Dr. Fatima Akilu, Executive Director of Neem Foundation; Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator representing Kogi Central; and Oreoluwa Lesi, Founder of WTEC.

While goodwill messages will be delivered by prominent leaders, including Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and Tourism; Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; and Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

This year’s theme, “Fueling Resilience: Empowering Diversity for Economic Success”, underscores the critical role of mentorship and diversity in driving personal and economic transformation.

Speaking at a press conference, Amina Oyagbola, Founder and Chairperson of WISCAR, highlighted the conference’s significance: “Driving gender equality and economic inclusion is essential because true innovation, sustainable development, and national prosperity can only be achieved when women are included at all levels of leadership. Women make up half of our population, and excluding those limits progress.

“Our conference aims to equip women with the skills and networks to lead and foster inclusive governance.

“Through its annual conference, WISCAR continues to highlight the critical role of including women in core areas of the economy and governance as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable national development.

“The conference will also feature interactive sessions and networking opportunities designed to empower attendees with practical strategies, insights for advancing their careers, and making meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress”, she said.

Sharing her experience as a mentee, Ojerime Ikpikpini said: “I reached a point in my career where I realized the importance of connecting with and learning from other women. Through this program, I gained a critical skill—effective communication—and it has been a transformative journey that has significantly shaped my personal and professional growth.”

Supported by an impressive roster of sponsors, WISCAR’S platinum sponsors this year are Pacific Energy, First Bank and GT Bank. The silver sponsors, which include Bank of Industry, FCMB, Stanbic IBTC, Coronation Merchant Bank, SNEPCo/SPDC and MTN Foundation, and a host of many more dignified sponsors are backing this year’s annual mentoring and Leadership Conference.

WISCAR’s annual conference continues to serve as a platform for fostering gender inclusion, developing women leaders, and driving sustainable national development.