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BENIN – The inaugural Nigerian Women in Leadership Conference, held in Benin City has concluded its session with a call for women to go beyond mentoring and actively sponsor one another for greater influence in leadership and politics.
The Founder of the Nigerian Women in Leadership Forum, Her Excellency Betsy Bene Obaseki, urged women to embrace patriotism and take a proactive role in enhancing Nigeria’s political landscape.
Reflecting on the motivation behind the forum, Mrs. Obaseki declared, “About six or so years ago, I conceived the idea of gathering women, because I was looking for more of professional women to begin to take an interest in politics and come on board to improve the quality of politics that we play in this state and ultimately in our country. We need to catch that spirit of patriotism, each and every one of us.”
Keynote Speaker at the occasion, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika emphasized unity and collective empowerment. “What my sister seeks to do is to leave you with a legacy, a desire to change your state and to change the country by standing together as a team,” she said.
Awosika also highlighted the necessity of connected power, saying, “When we join our powers together, we create a superpower… for the sake of our nation and our state to get there and do great things.”
Guest of Honour and former Minister, Josephine Anenih, in her remark, noted the importance of informed participation. “We need knowledge and education,” she said, pointing to a lack of understanding as a barrier. “We are still looking at the men and idol worshipping them.”
The conference featured a robust panel discussion with leaders calling for legislative support for gender inclusion and underscoring the need for active sponsorship of women.
Edo State Deputy Speaker, Honourable Maria Edekor, cited Africa’s progress with women’s representation through quota systems, encouraging legislative action to secure similar achievements.
Dr. Joan Oviawe, Edo State Commissioner for Education, in her speech, advocated for direct sponsorship over traditional mentorship. “Mentoring is no longer in vogue, if you really want to help a woman, you sponsor her,” she remarked.
Mastercard Foundation Partner Ukinebo Dare encouraged women to challenge restrictive systems, asserting that these structures could be re-engineered for inclusivity.
“Look at it as a woman and ask yourself, do these processes make sense for women?” she said, pointing to the importance of supportive workplace policies, such as the provision of creche facilities.
Professor Konkure Eghafona of the University of Benin invoked the words of former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, stating, “Inclusion is not a privilege. It is a necessity,” adding that women’s participation leads to balanced decision-making.
Mrs. Imuwahen Ajoonu, Managing Director of JOOPSA, drove the message home with a powerful triad: “Sponsor. Sponsor. Sponsor.”
The conference concluded with the unveiling of the Nigerian Women in Leadership Forum’s logo, mission, and vision, marking the beginning of a focused movement to empower and sponsor women across Nigeria.
