Kemi Ajumobi 
At Inspiring Woman Africa (IWA) Group, we believe in the value that connections bring and so we have created a platform where women can learn from each other, tell their stories, and have access to crucial information and resources that will ensure they excel in every facet of their lives.
It is the 14th edition of our annual conference. Trust me when I say this one, you must not miss. You will be hearing from distinguished speakers who are ready to pour out their heart. Our keynote is a woman of substance whose life is loaded with firsts. She is the immediate past President of Ethiopia and the first female to be one. What a feat I dare say! She was President from 2018-2024. She is a phenomenal woman who embodies our theme. She is H.E MADAM SAHLE-WORK ZEWDE. I can’t wait to hear her pour out to us all from her wealth of rich wisdom. IWA is excited she is coming to Nigeria. Are you ready?
Have you been wondering what treat to give to your staff for great work done in 2025? Do you need that event where they can come to and get inspired for 2026? Are you a CEO who wants to chart your own path of excellence as you prepare for 2026? As an individual or couple, are you searching for that programme to inspire you to your next level? The IWA Conference is a must for you to attend. All these questions and more will be attended to. It is a table of 8, you can form your girl group and sit together. Get your colleagues and enjoy a fantastic event in a beautiful ambience where you will learn, think, plan your New Year, eat, win gifts and also have fun. Ask those who have attended, they will tell you. This year is on a whole new level. Don’t say I didn’t tell you. Book your seat before you hear Sold Out!
THEME: LEADERSHIP REDEFINED: CHARTING NEW PATHS TO EXCELLENCE
DATE: 11th Of December, 2025
TIME: 10am Prompt
VENUE: Civic Centre, Grand Hall, Ozumba Mbadiwe, VI, Lagos
For advert, sponsorship and registration, visit www.theiwagroup.com or send us a mail: theiwagroup@outlook.com or call 07048841775
SPEAKERS
Kemi Ajumobi
Founder/Group CEO, Inspiring Woman Africa (IWA)
Convener, IWA Conference
Kemi Ajumobi is the Founder/Group CEO of Inspiring Woman Africa (IWA) Group (www.theiwagroup.com) Publisher and Editor-In-Chief of IWA Magazine, and Convener of the IWA Conference, now in its 14th year. This signature event brings together distinguished women to learn, network, and share experiences that inspire others.
With 18 years (and counting) in the media industry, Kemi is a multi-award-winning journalist, previously served diligently as Founding Editor of a top notch women’s magazine at a leading financial daily in West Africa. She is deeply passionate about health awareness, youth empowerment, women’s development, advocacy, and social advancement.
Her impact spans across platforms — from radio programmes (Inspiring Woman with Kemi on 92.3 Inspiration FM and 99.3 Nigeria Info) to Instagram talk shows (Inspiring Woman Series With Kemi Ajumobi) , she has also moderated sessions at high-profile events, including the African Diaspora Heritage Month Celebration at the U.S. Congress, Washington D.C.
In 2013, she produced and directed her first documentary on people living with HIV/AIDS, titled ‘Why HIV/AIDS Cannot Be Ignored.’ She was also featured in DRY, a film by award-winning actress and producer Stephanie Linus, which tackled issues of underage marriage and Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF).
Kemi Ajumobi is the host of #THEEXCLUSIVEWITHKEMI, a show where she speaks with leading men and women who share deeply personal and exclusive stories.
Her creativity and leadership extend beyond journalism. She is a counselor, music minister, public speaker, poet, anchor. Her single “It Is You” is available on major digital platforms in both audio and video formats.
She has received multiple recognitions, including:
- Recipient of the G.A.M.E. Award (2014) for her contribution to women’s development
- Winner of NHEA’s Healthcare Media Excellence Award (Print category) in 2014
- Smart Stewards Award for Excellence in Media (2023)
- One of the 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria
- Named among the 25 Most Powerful Women in Journalism, Nigeria (2024) by Women In Journalism Africa
- One of the 50 Most Influential African Women (2024) by Leading Ladies Africa
- One of Mogulettes Africa’s 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria
- Recognised among 100 Women Creating A Better Africa by WeForGood International
- She is an ALI Fellow
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Madam Sahle-Work Zewde
Former President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Sahle-Work Zewde, the first woman to hold the office, served as President of Ethiopia from 2018 to 2024. Born in Addis Ababa in 1950, she studied natural science in France before starting her career as a public relations officer at the Ministry of Education.
In 1989, she became the second woman to be appointed as an Ethiopian ambassador, serving in Senegal and five neighboring countries. She later served as Ambassador to Djibouti (1993-2002), Ambassador to France, and Permanent Representative to UNESCO./ 2002-2006. She was also Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the African Union.
Her extensive United Nations career started in 2009 as the first African woman Special Representative of the Secretary-General-SRSG at the UN peace-building office in the Central African Republic in 2009.
She was appointed Under-Secretary-General and first Director-General of the UN Office at Nairobi in 2011. During that time she served as mediator in the political crisis in Malawi. She was appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) to the African Union.
She is fluent in Amharic, French and English.
Guest Of Honour
H.E Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim fsi
Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development
Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim fsi is an international expert and thought leader in security, conflict resolution, humanitarian and disaster management, development and migration governance. She is driven by a passion to tackle critical and legacy issues impacting women, children, and vulnerable populations, and has dedicated her career to promoting inclusive development, stability, and social equity. Between 2019 and 2023, she served as a member of the Nasarawa State Investment and Economic Advisory Council, where she showcased her policy acumen and strategic insight, contributing significantly to the state’s development agenda while supporting efforts that delivered over $1 billion in investments.
Serving as Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Partnerships to the Minister of State for Education in 2020, she championed the Alternate School Programme, which earned the commendation of the highest policy decision making body in Nigeria – the Federal Executive Council, and continues to be a strategic initiative for reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. In December 2020, Hon Imaan’s exceptional leadership was recognised as she assumed the role of Director-General of The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
In recognition of her reform expertise, and commitment to national security and stability, she was appointed in August 2023, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to the Ministry of Police Affairs (State), making her the First Female Minister of Police Affairs.
She is a fellow of Nigeria Security Institute, a Certified Personnel Management Professional, and a Certified SAP HCM Consultant, amongst other certifications. Imaan is a visiting lecturer at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership, and Development Studies in the University of Abuja, where she teaches postgraduate students about global migration governance and national security.
She also serves as a visiting lecturer at the University of Rome in Italy, contributing her expertise and insights to an international academic audience. Imaan holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Abuja, and a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master’s of Art in Management (MA), both from Webster University, St Louis, Missouri(London Campus).
She is presently engaged in pursuing a Doctoral degree in Security and Strategic Studies at the prestigious Nigeria Defence Academy. With numerous awards locally and internationally under her belt in recognition of her dedication to impactful change,
As the Minister of Women Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, she is working tirelessly to create a future where every woman, child, and marginalised person in Nigeria can thrive with purpose, equality, and opportunity.
Moruf Oseni
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
Moruf Oseni is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank Plc. He has over 25 years of cognate experience, with more than 16 years at Senior to Executive Management levels.
He joined Wema Bank in June 2012 as an Executive Director. He has been part of the Bank’s Executive Management team since the transformation program began in 2012 and played a major role in the execution of the turnaround program of the Bank. He was responsible for the launch of ALAT – Nigeria’s 1st Digital Bank that has received multiple local and global accolades.
Following six (6) years as an Executive Director, Moruf then served as the Deputy Managing Director for four (4) years, with responsibility for several strategic functions in the bank including – Operations, Information Technology, Treasury, Retail, and Digital. Moruf also served as the Executive Compliance Officer of the Bank. He took over as the substantive MD/CEO of Wema Bank on April 1, 2023.
Before joining Wema Bank, Moruf was the CEO of MG Ineso Limited, a principal investment and financial advisory firm. Prior to MG Ineso, Moruf was a Vice President at Renaissance Capital, and an Associate at Salomon Brothers/Citigroup Global Markets in London.
Moruf is a member of the Board of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc. (NIBSS). He is also the Chairman of AFRIGO, the National Domestic Card Company (a subsidiary of NIBSS).
Moruf holds an MBA degree from the Institut European d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD) in France, a master’s in finance (MiF) from the London Business School, and a B.Sc. in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He is also an alumnus of both the Advanced Management Program (AMP) of the Harvard Business School and King’s College, Lagos. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIBN), a member of the Institute of Directors (IoD), and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).
Carlos Rojas-Arbulú
Deputy High Commissioner, Embassy Of Canada, Nigeria
Rojas-Arbulú has 22 years of international experience including – 16 years leading multidisciplinary teams- and has worked in 8 countries across 3 continents: Americas, Africa and Asia.
In Canada, he held the position of Senior Departmental Advisor to two Ministers of International Cooperation & La Francophonie (2015-2017); Director of the Environment Division (2014-2015); Deputy Director, Corporate Social Responsibility & National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (2007-2010); and played leading roles within the Central America and Caribbean (2003-2005) and Mexico (2000-2003) divisions.
As a Canadian diplomat, he held the positions of Consul and Head of Trade & Investment program at the Canadian Consulate General in Mumbai, India in 2019-2020; Head of the International Assistance program at the Canadian Embassy in Haiti (2017-2019); Regional Head of the commercial program (West Africa) at the Canadian Embassy in Senegal (2010-2014); Head of the Commercial Program at the Canadian Embassy in Guatemala (2005-2007). He has also had assignments in Mexico and Peru with the Canadian government and in Nicaragua with the Canadian private sector.
Recognised as an effective fluent communicator in French, English and Spanish (with beginners level Portuguese), he is a committed, motivated individual with a strong work ethic. Rojas-Arbulú holds degrees from Concordia University and McGill University in Canada.
Tonye Patrick Cole, mni
Co-Founder, Sahara Group
Tonye Patrick Cole, mni, is a visionary energy entrepreneur, politician, policy advisor, and philanthropist. He was born in January 1967 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He is a merit honours graduate in Architecture from the University of Lagos and served in Osun State for his National Youth Service.
He is a Member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, a Fellow of the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
He also recently completed at the Blavatnik School of Government (University of Oxford): Cyber Security Fundamentals for Leadership.
From 1990 to 1992, Tonye worked with architectural firm Grupo Quartro SA in Goiania, Brazil. On his return to Nigeria, he was employed by Brazilian engineering firm Empressa Sul Americana de Montagens S.A. (EMSA) from 1993 to 1996 before co-founding Sahara Group in 1996.
The Sahara Group is an energy conglomerate present in 42 countries, employing over 5,000 people, with an annual turnover of US$15 billion. Tonye led the Group’s global expansion and upheld its corporate governance values as well as setting up the Sahara Foundation.
In 2018, he resigned from Sahara to contest for political office.
Political Career
In 2018 and 2023 he contested as the gubernatorial candidate for the office of Governor of Rivers State under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His entrepreneurial ventures include:
– Fibreworld Telecommunications Ltd – Fibreoptic networks across Nigeria
– Cole Tech Hub (CTEC) – Innovation hub in Port Harcourt
– Genzeric Ltd – AI solutions firm
– CIA Cyber Advisory (UK) – Cybersecurity implementation and advisory
– Fringe Infrastructure Ltd – 72-rack Data Center in Lagos
– Sahel Resources – Mining and precious metal trading company
He has various national assignments and roles locally and internationally. Tonye Cole is the Founder of: The Nehemiah Youth Empowerment Initiative, The Nehemiah Leadership Institute, Behavioural Health Institute and The R.E.A.C.H. Nigeria Foundation.
He is on several Boards, and supports Down Syndrome Foundation, The Compassionate Centre, Port Harcourt and Bethesda School for the Blind, Lagos.
He is a motivational speaker, ordained minister, and published author. Tonye is married to Dr. Sylvia Cole and they have three children.
Obafemi Banigbe
CEO T2 (Former 9Mobile)
Obafemi Banigbe is an accomplished technology executive, entrepreneur, consultant, and influential figure with a proven track record of steering technological innovations and strategic initiatives throughout various pivotal markets across Africa. Possessing extensive experience at the C-suite level, he brings a profound comprehension of the intricate African business landscape, emphasizing the critical translation of business objectives and commercial imperatives into comprehensive strategies that drive successful execution.
With over two decades of leadership experience in the telecom industry, he is dedicated to driving transformation and innovation. As the CEO of Emerging Market Telecommunication Company trading as 9 Mobile (Now T2), he leads a talented team committed to turning around their organisation, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional value to their customers.
At T2, he is leading comprehensive transformation programmes to revitalise and reposition their company in the market. He is building and nurturing high-performance teams that are agile, customer-focused, and aligned with their vision. He is driving innovation through strategic investments in new technologies and digital solutions, while also enhancing customer experience by delivering reliable, high-quality services that meet evolving needs.
His career is marked by a proven track record of steering companies through challenging times, fostering a culture of excellence, and implementing strategic initiatives that result in sustainable growth. His expertise lies in strategic planning, operational restructuring, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to create competitive advantages.
His leadership philosophy centers on transparency, collaboration, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Obafemi believes in empowering his team, fostering an inclusive workplace, and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships to achieve their strategic goals.
Chinwe Iloghalu
Acting MD/CEO of NOVA Bank
Chinwe Iloghalu is the Acting MD/CEO of NOVA Bank. Prior to her appointment, Chinwe had served as the Executive Director of Institutional & Commercial Banking at NOVA Bank. She also served as the Executive Director, Lagos & Corporate Bank at Polaris Bank.
She is a consummate professional of over 27 years’ experience with several awards in recognition for her contribution to the growth of the organizations where she has worked including Equatorial Trust Bank, Ecobank Nigeria Plc., Zenith Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, and Polaris Bank.
Chinwe has core-banking experience in diverse areas of banking including Operations, Marketing, Credit, Retail, Consumer, Corporate, and Commercial Banking, and has been involved in the structuring of transactions in various sectors including Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Telecommunication, Power, Infrastructure, Aviation, Real estate, Agric & Exports, Fintech, Public Sector, amongst others.
She has attended executive management programs at Said Business School, University of Oxford, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Emeritus Institute of Management, Lagos Business School, Columbia Business School, London Business School, London School of Business and Finance, and Harvard Business School, amongst others.
Chinwe holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Benin, an MBA from Esut Business School, and a Master of Sciences (M.Sc.) degree in Marketing Communications from the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University.
She is a Fellow of The Institute of Credit Administration, Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Member of notable professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Management, and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, amongst others.
Chinwe brings a fresh perspective to banking relationships by building strong networks, leveraging business connections, and creating value, which brings to bear the delivery of maximum results.
Aishah Ndanusa Ahmad
Former Deputy Gov. CBN
Soniya Asusu Nupe
A trailblazer, her name is written indelibly in Nigeria’s history as the first female Deputy Governor for Financial System Stability at the Central Bank of Nigeria, serving from 2018 to 2023. In that role, she shepherded landmark reforms — including the enactment of the banks and Other Financial Institutions Act. She steered Nigeria’s financial system with courage through the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring resilience while fostering record growth in digital transactions and credit to the real economy.
Aishah’s work in financial inclusion has left a lasting legacy. By pioneering Nigeria’s first International Financial Inclusion Conference and mobilising a national coalition, she achieved the highest recorded increase in access — lifting financial inclusion by 11 percentage points to 74%. For this and more, she has been recognised on the global stage, addressing world leaders at the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings, Harvard Kennedy School, and the University of Oxford.
Aishah’s service extends far beyond regulation. She has chaired critical national institutions and projects, including the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System and the National Arts Theatre Renovation. Today, she serves on global boards such as the Financial Alliance for Women and SOS Children’s Villages International, where she was chairperson in Nigeria. She also contributed to the work of the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB).
Aishah earned degrees in Accounting from the University of Abuja (Second Class Upper), an MBA in Finance from the University of Lagos, and a Master’s in Finance and Management from Cranfield School of Management in the United Kingdom. She is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
Her commitment to gender equity is deeply personal and widely impactful. She institutionalised women’s leadership as a priority at the Central Bank, hosting events annually, directly mentored more than 600 female policymakers and helped ensure an unprecedented rise of female chief executives in Nigeria’s banks. Through WIMBIZ’s Big Sister Programme, she has touched the lives of thousands of young girls across Nigeria.
Aishah has also brought development home to Niger State: securing hostels, water systems, and other infrastructure for schools; revitalising the Gbobbi Game Reserve; and supporting farmers with agricultural finance.
She continues to bridge finance, governance and advocacy and remains a tireless champion of inclusion, equity, and empowerment, through her work as Founder of LMFI Group, Bridgforte and the Amfani Zhiba Foundation.
For a lifetime of integrity, service, and transformative leadership, Aishah Ndanusa Ahmad was conferred with the traditional title of Soniya Asusu Nupe — an honour that affirms her place as a treasured pillar of the Nupe Kingdom, custodian of heritage, and beacon of prosperity for Niger State and for Nigeria.
Dr. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo (PhD)
International Corporate Executive
Founder, The LightHouse Network
Dr. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo (PhD)is a seasoned corporate executive with over 20 years of experience driving the growth and management of multinational brands across international markets and key sectors, including Financial Services, Aviation, Telecommunications, and Oil & Gas. Currently, she leads Marketing, Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Impact efforts for a financial services firm in South Africa, managing cross-border teams across Africa and offshore regions to deliver measurable results.
A dedicated advocate for social transformation, Dr. Olumide-Ojo is the founder of The LightHouse Network, an impact-driven agency focused on marketplace readiness and Leadership Development for youth and Women. She extends her mentorship efforts to young women professionals through her initiative, The Working Girl Circle, empowering them to navigate and excel in their careers.
Dr. Olumide-Ojo’s governance expertise includes serving on boards in both commercial and non-commercial capacities. A corporate trainer and frequent conference speaker, she has delivered impactful presentations at high-profile events such as the Forbes Africa Women’s Summit, London Advertising Week, and the Africa Public Relations Conference. Her thought leadership is further recognised through her role as a judge in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) category at the Cannes Creative Festival, France.
Over the years, she has earned numerous accolades, including being named twice among Lagos State’s Top 100 Women Making Impact and recognized by Leading Ladies Africa as one of Africa’s Top 50 Leading Corporate Women.
Dr. Olumide-Ojo holds a PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and advanced degrees from Kingston University, Surrey, UK, and the University of Calabar, Nigeria. She is also an accomplished author of two seminal works: Pressure Cooker: Lessons for Women at Work and Step Forward: A Marketplace Readiness Guide for Youths.
Dr. Olumide-Ojo’s strategic leadership, social impact initiatives, and thought leadership continue to inspire and shape the next generation of professionals and leaders across the continent.
Dr. Busola Tejumola (PhD)
Executive Head, General Entertainment Channels, MultiChoice Group
Dr. Busola Tejumola is a visionary content strategist and media executive with over 20 years of experience across the media and IT industries. Currently serving as the Executive Head, General Entertainment Channels, MultiChoice Group, she oversees Channels across all markets for the Multichoice group. She previously served as Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, where for over four years she led the creative and strategic direction of Africa Magic’s seven Nigerian channels and Akwaaba Magic’s Ghanaian channel on DStv and GOtv.
A driving force behind some of Africa’s most successful entertainment properties, Dr. Tejumola has overseen acclaimed productions including Big Brother Naija, Nigerian Idol and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), both of which have boosted audience engagement, subscriber growth, and advertising revenue across the continent. She also spearheaded the refresh of Africa Magic’s content slate, fostering new opportunities for African storytellers, producers, and on-screen talent.
Recognized among the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in 2021 and listed by Forbes Afrique among the Top 50 Women in Management in Africa, Dr. Tejumola holds a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems and Computing from Brunel University, London, and a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Surrey.
In 2023, she was elected a distinguished member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, solidifying her influence in global television programming.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Tejumola is passionate about empowering women and youth across Africa. Through the MultiChoice Women’s Forum and various mentorship initiatives, she champions leadership development, skills advancement, and inclusion in the creative and technology sectors.
Dr. Busola Tejumola continues to redefine African storytelling on the global stage, championing creativity, innovation, and cultural authenticity.
Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu
Majority Leader Kaduna State 10th Assembly
Munira Suleiman Tanimu is an entrepreneur, a politician, a passionate philanthropist, and a mother. She is currently the majority leader of the Kaduna State 10th Assembly. She is the sole female representative in Kaduna State House Assembly and the entire North West, serving the people of Lere East Constituency in Lere Local Government, Kaduna State. She is the first female majority leader in the history of Kaduna state and in the entire north-west Nigeria.
With a solid political foundation, Munira’s commitment to public service is driven by a deep desire to contribute to Nigeria’s transformation. Her political engagement stems from a personal mission to effect meaningful change in a country in urgent need of progress. Through her non-governmental organisation, Green Heart Impact Foundation, her extensive philanthropic efforts focus on alleviating poverty and empowering women and children, underscoring her commitment to enhancing the lives of everyday Nigerians.
Munira envisions impactful reforms across education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and women/youth empowerment. Inspired by figures such as her father, Honourable Suleiman Tanimu, who was a former House of Representatives member in the 90s, the late H.E Aisha Jummai Alhassan (Mama Taraba) and Senator Aishatu Binani, whose fearless advocacy and strategic approach have influenced her own political journey. She is intensely aware of the need for greater female political participation.
Munira also believes that more women should step forward to actively participate in governance, policymaking, and leadership at all levels. She is committed to encouraging and mentoring women to take bold steps toward breaking barriers and reshaping the narrative of female leadership in Nigeria.
Patricia Obozuwa
Managing Director, Nigeria Global Reputation Management Project
Patricia Obozuwa is the Managing Director of the Nigeria Global Reputation Management Project, the country’s official initiative dedicated to shaping and projecting a powerful, positive, and unified image of Nigeria globally.
Most recently, she was the Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability, Africa at The Coca-Cola Company appointed in December 2020. There, she led a team responsible for Government Affairs, thought leadership, sustainability, media relations, and corporate communications for the company across the African continent. During her time in this role, She established a new sustainability strategy for Coca-Cola Africa. And in January 2022, she launched the sustainability platform JAMII to streamline and increase the impact of the company’s sustainability program around waste management, water stewardship, and economic empowerment of women and youth. She led the Coca-Cola Africa organization to achieve the highest corporate reputation score in the company globally for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022).
Prior to her role at Coca-Cola, she was the Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer for GE Africa – a position she started in April 2012 when she built the communications and public affairs function. She established GE Africa’s corporate social responsibility platform, GE Kujenga in 2014. And in 2016, Patricia established the ‘GE Lagos Garage’ a hub for advanced manufacturing skills development that has produced over 2,400 graduates in Nigeria She was the founding co-hub leader of the GE Women’s Network for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Prior to joining GE, she was Head, External Relations, Nigeria and Corporate Communication Leader, Sub-Saharan Africa at Procter & Gamble (P&G). Before joining P&G in 2005, Patricia was the Arts and Sponsorship Manager for the British Council in Nigeria.
Patricia is a Non-Executive Director of The Water Trust (US-Headquartered Non-Profit Organization). She is also on the Advisory Council for ImpactHer, a non-profit that empowers African female entrepreneurs.
She is passionate about women’s empowerment, personal branding and telling Africa’s full story.
Folake Soetan
CEO Ikeja Electric
Folake Soetan is a visionary business leader with over two decades of exceptional impact across the Aviation, Oil & Gas, and Power sectors. With a solid foundation in Finance from the University of Lagos, complemented by the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School Executive Education, she combines deep commercial acumen with strategic foresight.
She began her career in aviation, where she led revenue optimisation initiatives that significantly expanded market share. At Sahara Group, she played a pivotal role in building SO Aviation into a top-tier player across West Africa, elevating the business from 7th to 3rd position in the market within a short span.
In 2015, she joined Ikeja Electric, where her transformational leadership quickly propelled her from Deputy Chief Commercial Officer to Chief Executive Officer. Her tenure has been defined by innovation, resilience, and results.
One of her hallmark achievements includes pioneering the bilateral power initiative under the willing seller–willing buyer model with her team, delivering over 20 hours of power daily to residential clusters in Lagos State. This bold move laid the groundwork for the successful launch of Nigeria’s service-based tariff regime, a turning point in the country’s power sector.
Under her stewardship, Ikeja Electric has experienced unprecedented growth. She has led a landmark reduction in Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) loss by over 50%, while driving digital transformation and operational excellence. These efforts have earned the company industry recognition, including “Best Electricity Distribution Company” and “Most Gender Diverse Utility Company” at the 2022 Nigeria Power Sector Awards.
Folake also oversaw the company’s successful attainment of globally recognised certifications including ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System) affirming her commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Beyond the boardroom, she is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders, particularly women and youth, through her active involvement in Women in Energy Network (WIEN) and Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ). In 2022, she was named one of Eko 100 Women by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for her advocacy for equity and inclusion.
Abe Jawando
Executive Senior Sales Director, Mary Kay Cosmetics
Abe Jawando is a Nigerian-born lawyer, business coach, and strategist whose career exemplifies leadership and revolutionary impact. Transitioning from investment banking to a purpose-driven path, Abe is a Future Executive Senior Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics. For over 20 years, she has built and led a thriving Mary Kay team, mentoring and empowering over 500 women to achieve excellence and resilience in entrepreneurship.
As part of her Mary Kay journey, Abe developed a transformative framework that merges the power of beauty with entrepreneurial growth, enabling women to redefine success and create sustainable wealth. This innovative approach has led to remarkable team milestones and personal accolades, including the No. 1 Team Builder Award and three consecutive Top 3 Sales Director Awards, reflecting her exceptional leadership and dedication.
Beyond her corporate success, Abe founded The Mentoring Room, a global platform inspiring women to embrace leadership and achieve breakthroughs in all aspects of life. Her passion lies in equipping women to become leaders of leaders promoting change across communities and nations.
Abe serves on the Fashion Souk Global Strategic Team, (International arm of Fashion Souk Nigeria) as Business Strategist where her innovative strategies connect African fashion and beauty brands to global markets, providing entrepreneurs with access to global opportunities.
Her philanthropic efforts shine through Victoria’s Smile Foundation and its “20Smiles420Years Campaign,” an initiative supporting underserved pregnant women in rural Nigeria while ensuring their children receive lifelong education. Her unwavering commitment to maternal health and education exemplifies her belief in the power of access and opportunity to break the cycles of poverty.
Abe is also the author of the Throne Room Whispers Gratitude Journal, a tool that has inspired countless individuals to embrace daily gratitude as a path to resilience and personal transformation. Through her annual 66Days Gratitude Journal Challenge, she encourages participants worldwide to experience the power of intentional gratitude in their daily lives.
As a Women for Africa Award finalist, she has also served as a member of the Mary Kay UK Advisory Board for many years. Abe’s mission is clear: “Empowered women build thriving families, vibrant communities, and strong nations.”
Chinyere Okorocha
Partner & the Overall Head of Sectors at Jackson, Etti & Edu
A seasoned legal professional with over three decades of experience, with a strong expertise in Intellectual Property law, and a passion for building strategic, industry-focused legal solutions that deliver measurable value to clients.
Her legal career began at a firm where she specialised and became an expert in Intellectual Property law—managing trademarks, patents, and designs portfolios for multinationals, from prosecution to contentious disputes and brand protection strategies. As a founding member of Etti, Edu & Co. (now Jackson, Etti & Edu), she helped build the firm’s Intellectual Property department from the ground up, creating core structures, and shaping the firm’s international visibility.
She currently serves as a Partner and the overall Head of Sectors at Jackson, Etti & Edu, where she leads the firm’s sector strategy across six core industries. In this role, she aligns sector goals with market trends, oversees cross-sector collaboration, and works closely with sector heads and practice groups to ensure industry relevance, client satisfaction, and revenue growth. Her leadership has helped drive the firm’s evolution from sector-focused to sector-expert—positioning them to deliver bespoke, commercially grounded solutions.
Concurrently, she serves as Sector Head for Health & Pharmaceuticals, where she leads a multidisciplinary team, oversees client engagement strategies and develops the annual sector outlook. In recognition of her leadership in the medico-legal space, she was appointed to the Executive Committee of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, first as Treasurer (2022–2025) and now as Publicity Secretary (2025–Present).
She recently completed a successful tenure as Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (2022–2024), where she led national expansion efforts, introduced the forum’s first operational manual and leadership retreat, and championed female representation across the legal profession.
Beyond the legal space, she is also the Founder of Heels & Ladders—a career mentorship club committed to helping ambitious women achieve accelerated career growth through clarity, confidence, and strategic execution.
A regular speaker and moderator at legal, intellectual property, healthcare, and leadership events, Chinyere speaks on topics including IP law, medico-legal issues, women’s empowerment, and leadership development. Her professional journey continues to be driven by impact, innovation, and the belief that women can thrive—at the bar, in the boardroom, and beyond.
MC Kayode Okikiolu
TV Anchor, Channels Television
Kayode Okikiolu is a TV Anchor with Africa’s News leader Channels Television.
He has co-hosted one of the most watched breakfast shows on the continent, Sunrise Daily and anchored the flagship News At 10, as well as other Primetime shows.
Today, you can watch him interview National and Global newsmakers, including top UN Officials, Diplomats, Governors, Ministers, Lawmakers and everyday people on The Morning Brief
As a member of largest demographic in Nigeria, the Youths he continues to highlight issues that concern them.
Before TV, he worked as a Radio Presenter at The Beat 97.9fm & Salt 98.1fm for 4 years.
Kayode studied Psychology at the prestigious University of Ibadan and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM).
MODERATORS
Ugochukwu Obi-Chukwu
Founder/CEO of Nairametrics
Ugochukwu “Ugodre” Obi-Chukwu is the Founder and CEO of Nairametrics Financial Advocates, a leading authority on Nigeria’s financial and economic sectors.
A Chartered Accountant with extensive experience, Ugodre has spearheaded significant business transformations and strategic reorganisations, enhancing operational efficiency and profitability. His experience in covering the capital market, the economy and geopolitics makes him one of the leading resource persons for delivering macro economic insights.
His leadership at Nairametrics has transformed the platform into a globally recognised source for economic analysis and financial literacy.
Ugodre is an eloquent speaker and host of popular financial radio shows on Lagos Talks 91.3FM and Classic FM 97.3FM. Ugo also hosts several influential podcast shows covering the capital markets and investor education.
His influential work in the financial sector has earned him several awards and recognitions.
Ozim Ibeziako
Executive General Counsel, Africa, GE Vernova
Ozim Ifeoma Ibeziako is a commercial and energy lawyer with twenty-four years industry experience. She is currently working with GE Vernova as the Executive General Counsel for Africa, with the overall responsibility for GEV’s brand, legal and compliance risk mitigation in the 23 countries where GEV has a footprint in sub-Saharan Africa.
She is best described as a business lawyer, with multi-jurisdictional expertise in the energy industry, commercial transactions, corporate practice, regulatory compliance, legal advisory services, project finance, localisation, joint ventures and business development.
Ozim graduated from the University of Nigeria in 1998 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in October 2000. She was also admitted as a Solicitor of England & Wales in 2011 and obtained LLM in Energy Law & Policy, (2007/2008) and MBA in International Business Transactions (2008/2009) from the Centre for Energy, Mineral Law and Policy, University of Dundee, Scotland.
Part of what makes her job exciting is the fact that she works on sustainable projects across Africa, impacting lives and adding great value to the continent, which translates to global win for both investors, customers, and consumers. She sees the challenges facing the region as opportunities for better collaboration, sharing best practices, and lessons learnt, to improve the regulatory climate, stir the economy, and attract the right investment to drive growth.
Ozim also volunteers in her local church, supports charities that promote the cause of the girl-child, and provides scholarships to indigent children. She is a strong advocate for women and is on the Global Advisory Committee of the GE Vernova Women’s Network, where she works with other women and allies to elevate and inspire others to success.
She is happily married and the family is blessed with a daughter.
Abiola Adediran
Partner at Genea Family Office
Abiola Adediran is a Family Business Advisor and one of Nigeria’s finest corporate finance and business strategy experts with nearly 2 decades of work experience that cuts across investment banking, consulting, private equity, wealth and family office management.
She was the Group Chief Financial Officer of Coronation Group, a leading investment management group in Africa. She was very instrumental to the set up and running of Tengen Family Office (a Single-Family Office) which served the interests of the families represented. She was involved in developing business strategy for existing and new businesses, corporate finance and funding strategy, investment due diligence, driving value creation for the ecosystem and engaging with the families in managing their affairs.
Prior to that, she was a Manager at KPMG Professional Services, a leading (Big 4) global consulting firm, where she delivered remarkable results to all her clients and promoted the image of the Firm.
She is currently a Partner at Genea Family Office, an independent boutique multi-family office delivering innovative wealth management and family advisory services to ultra-high networth individuals and family businesses to preserve their wealth and legacy.
She is also the Founder and Managing Consultant of Midridge International, a pan-African strategy consulting and financial advisory firm supporting and facilitating the growth of businesses across Africa.
Abiola Adediran is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, a certified Management Consultant, a PRINCE2-certified Project Manager from APMG International, UK and she holds an MBA with specialism in Finance from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (CIoD).
Abiola currently sits on the board of growing businesses as well as serves as a mentor to various leading entrepreneurship organisations in Nigeria like the FATE Foundation, Awesome Treasures Foundation, Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), Women in Africa (WIA), She Leads Africa, amongst others.
She is a keynote speaker, author, trainer, mentor, and has been featured on various popular media platforms.
She is a member of the Forbes Business Council where she is collaborating with global leaders and contributing to the development of businesses and economies around the world.
She is a passionate visionary with a deep commitment to redefine and make a positive difference on the African continent and beyond by leading innovative change, and creating enduring legacies for the next generation.
She is happily married with two adorable children.