Okonjo-Iweala, Atedo Peterside to speak at WIMBIZ 2021 conference

Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), a non-governmental organisation, has confirmed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Atedo Peterside, founder, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, as speakers for its 2021 annual conference.

Other confirmed speakers include Ibukun Awosika, former chairperson, First Bank of Nigeria and Fola Adeola, founder, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (now GTCo) and FATE Foundation. 

WIMBIZ, in a statement on Thursday, said the conference themed “Celebrating Legacy” will be held in hybrid format between November 4th and 5th, 2021.

It added that there would be five pre-conference events to commemorate its 20th anniversary.

In its 20th year, WIMBIZ said it had impacted over 217,000 women through various programmes focused on increasing and supporting the success rate of female entrepreneurs and the proportion of women in senior positions in corporate organisations and public service.

“For the first time in the history of WIMBIZ, five pre-conference events will be rolled out to commemorate this 20th anniversary: Legends Ball, Art and Fashion Exhibition, Golf Tournament, Virtual Masterclasses and a special edition of its Big Sister (a corporate social responsibility programme),” the statement reads.

“Chairpersons for the main conference billed for the 4th and 5th of November, 2021 are Chief Folake Solanke, CON – Nigeria’s first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the Chairman/Publisher of The Guardian Newspapers – Lady Maiden Alex Ibru, MFR.”

Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo, chairperson of the executive council WIMBIZ, at a briefing said, “We are excited to reflect on the WIMBIZ story and our journey thus far, it has been an awesome run; but where do we go from here? We are still very challenged. 

“When we look at the numbers of representation, particularly in politics, we are still significantly underrepresented. So, on the one hand, we are celebrating progress, on the other hand, there is still a lot to be done. We encourage everyone to join us, so we work as a collective to build a new narrative for women. The power is in our hands.”

Hansatu Adegbite, executive director, WIMBIZ, said, “WIMBIZ is focused on nation-building, and one person or group can’t build a nation, we all have a role to play in the development of our nation, especially as it concerns gender parity and inclusivity.”

Also confirmed for the conference are Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation; Atedo Peterside, economist and founder, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc; Ibukun Awosika, former chairperson; First Bank of Nigeria; as well as Fola Adeola, founder, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (now GTCo) and FATE Foundation.

“The 20th WIMBIZ Anniversary and Annual Conference will tell the stories of pacesetters and celebrate women who have shattered ceilings, overcome adversity, broken stereotypes, enabled empowerment and created opportunities for all,” the statement added. 

“To be a part of the exciting activities, follow our online platforms, more importantly as a hybrid conference you can register to attend online or offline on www.wimbizannualconference.com.”

The organisation said the 2021 conference has an interesting line-up of iconic events and legendary temperaments to grace the week-long celebrations specially curated to spotlight the non-profit’s 20-year contribution to elevating the status of women in Nigeria and Africa.