By Etop Ekanem

Women from across Nigeria’s South-South region gathered in Warri for the 5th edition of The Business Women Connect RECAP Conference, where industry leaders challenged them to reflect on their journeys, relearn for growth, and rise as transformative leaders in their communities.

In in a statement, the conference conveners, Mrs. Doubra Emein, President of The Business Women Connect, alongside Executive Directors, Mrs. Ufouma Ogbo and Princess Onome Akpobaro, described the event as a platform for women to acknowledge their resilience, embrace continuous learning, and step forward with confidence.

The conference, chaired by Olori Atuwatse III and themed “Reflect, Relearn, Rise,” featured nine speakers who addressed critical subject areas including women “working” the talk, sisterhood and female friendships, and the iconic woman.

Keynote speaker, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, delivered a compelling address on “Faith, Power & Progress: Women Changing the Game.”

According to Mrs. Awosika, “Remember to be the most of the one you’re called to be. By living your lives to the fullest, every person attached to your lives will get illuminated from you shining your lights.”
Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye, who spoke on “Leading with Purpose: The Modern Woman’s Advantage,” challenged participants to DARE: Defy fear and limitations, be Audacious, be Revolutionary, and be Expansive in their thoughts and actions.
According to the statement, Mrs. Tara specifically charged South-South women to “dare to shift narratives and thinking, have audacious goals that will get people questioning who they think they are.”
The conference outlined its objective as a three-pillar framework. In the statement, the conveners explained that Reflection serves as “a moment to acknowledge journeys travelled, lessons learned, and the resilience of women across generations,” while Relearning emphasizes “the openness to growth, adaptation, and continuous learning.”
Rising represents “the collective aspiration for women to step forward with confidence, impact, and service within their communities and professions.”
Beyond the keynote addresses, speakers explored the dynamics of female friendships and sisterhood, examining how women can build supportive networks that drive collective progress in business and leadership.
The event attracted distinguished guests including Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, First Lady of Delta State, represented by Orode Meyiwa Uduaghan, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Girl Child Development.
Other notable guests included Pst. Emmanuel Emefienim, Founder/CEO Premium Trust Bank, Pst. Ifeoma Emefienim, HRM Queen Iyobosa Eshemitan, Pst. Verah Orhobor, Isimeme Whyte, and wives of Delta State Commissioners for Riverine Infrastructure & Development, Energy, Health, and Higher Education.
The Business Women Connect is a professional network dedicated to empowering women through mentorship, capacity building, and collaborative platforms that foster economic and leadership development across Nigeria’s South-South region.