Theme: Accelerating Female Inclusion: How, Why and Now
The 2025 edition of the annual Business Women Hub Conference, held on Wednesday, 26th March 2025, aligned with the global focus on accelerating female inclusion during International Women’s Month.
The Special Guest of Honour, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Atanda, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Establishments and Training, opened the conference with a powerful message. She stated,
“Female inclusion in leadership, business, and society is no longer a question of if, but how fast we can close the gap. This conference is more than a gathering—it is a launchpad for action. Each of us has a role to play in advancing this movement. Let’s stand together, take bold steps, and shape a future where no woman is left behind. The time for change is now.”
In a bold and thought-provoking address, Hansatu Adegbite acknowledged the gender tensions in Nigeria’s current political climate and drew attention to statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics revealing that 70% of Nigerians—133 million people—are multidimensionally poor, with the majority being women. She emphasized that female inclusion is an economic necessity, not just a moral imperative. Drawing from UN Women research, she identified economic empowerment, recognition of unpaid care labor, and autonomy as the three key pillars for sustainable progress.
Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head and Head of Gender Desk at First City Monument Bank, shared a deeply personal keynote address, urging the audience to move beyond rhetoric and act decisively. Reflecting on the challenges women face in accessing finance and opportunity, she noted,
“Empowering women is not just about fairness—it’s an economic necessity. We must create systems where women can build wealth, own assets, and lead with authority, not apology.”
Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, in her keynote, issued a stirring call to action, encouraging women to stop shrinking and start leading. She pointed to stark disparities—like women holding only 1.1% of seats in the House of Representatives and receiving under 5% of business loans, despite owning 41% of SMEs. Her message:
“If you want a seat at the table—build your own and invite the next woman. The world adjusts for women who dare to rise.”
The conference also featured a welcome address by Mrs. Imelda Usoro-Olaoye, Founder of Business Women Hub and Managing Partner at Thinkmint Nigeria. She reiterated the Hub’s mission to support early-stage female entrepreneurs with access to training, funding, markets, and opportunities.
“Since 2020, we’ve been empowering over 1,200 women, both in Nigeria and across the diaspora. We build a network of skilled women entrepreneurs who love their passion—but are also inspired to know their business,” she affirmed.
Panel Sessions
The conference also featured three dynamic and interactive panel sessions, designed to spark dialogue, offer actionable strategies, and inspire collaboration:
1. Female Inclusion: Empowering the Female CEO
This panel explored the realities of women in leadership and how business women can carve space for themselves at the top. Speakers shared personal stories of navigating male-dominated industries, negotiating power, and fostering inclusive leadership cultures.
2. Time and Health Management for the Growing Business Lead
A practical session that focused on balance—how women entrepreneurs can optimize their time, manage stress, and prioritize wellness while scaling their businesses. Experts shared tools for avoiding burnout and building sustainable habits.
3. Promoting Creativity and Art as a Tool for Business Growth
This session bridged creativity and commerce, showcasing how visual storytelling, branding, and art can powerfully elevate business visibility and customer engagement. Speakers included creatives and business leaders who’ve built thriving brands through artistic innovation.
Speakers at the 2025 conference included:
- Gusi Tobby Lordwilliams – Executive Service Coach
- Abiola Adelana – Head, Tourism Business, Sterling Bank
- Dr. Ella Chioma Ezeadilieje (Veronica’s Daughter) – HOD, Development Nigeria, British University (NBU)
- Linda Ochugbua – Digital Sales Manager, BusinessDay.
- Abimbola Balogun – Co-founder/Chief People Officer, SO FRESH.
- Ella George-Uduku – Consultant Managing Partner of Hillbridge.
- Emmanuella Akinrinde – Digital Creator
- Dr. Morenike Basharu – CEO Dewla Options Interior, Vice President Business School Netherlands Toast Master Club.
- Dr. Kelechi Okoro – CEO Healthertainer
- Rita Ahunanya – Founder Crestructure Consulting
- Enifome Ogbimi – The Live Again Coach, Founder, Live Again Movement
- Barr. Martha Rotoye – Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance Services Pentagon Partners Legal Practitioner.
- Itee Akrasi – CEO Terasi Empire.
- Ufoma Thompson – Senior Consultant, Centafold Consult.
- Chioma Amadi – CEO Pama Beauty Hair.
- Precious Adesina-Ola – Head of Growth, Suplias Technologies
Recognition Awards and Grant Winners
The 2025 conference continued the tradition of celebrating rising female entrepreneurs through the Business Women Hub Recognition Awards, honoring 19 exceptional women for their resilience, innovation, and impact. Their achievements reflect the UN 2030 Agenda’s goals of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Awardees included: Hansatu Adegbite – Voice of Diverse City / Co-founder, HDB Advisor; Fortune Anyanso – Clen Brush Fortunes Homes Enterprise; Chidinma Amadi – Founder/CEO, Pama Beauty Hair; Amb. Adebukola Adeogun – CEO, Bukola Neville Limited; Chidera Amuta – Marketing Manager, Vendorcredit; Aisha Mustapha – Founder, Bimwunmi Nigeria Limited; Linda Ochugba – Digital Sales Manager, BusinessDay; Esther Iyire – CEO, Hazel Grace Styles; Itee Akrasi – CEO, Teerasi Empire; Emmanuella Akinrinde – Content Creator and Coach, 1st Lady Ella; Abiola Adelana – Head, Tourism Business, Sterling Bank; Chioma Ehiaguina – Managing Partner, Zane Michael Partners; Nwadiuto Ikonnta-Odediran – Founder, Aidis Foodhaven; Olufiropo Akobundu – CEO, Tastydelightkitchen (Rokem Ltd); Monisade Ogunlana – Co-Founder/CEO, Mode Media Ltd; Adebisi O. Aminat – CEO, Pemnia Wellness; Lara Yeku – Head of HR, Food Commercial Supply Chain, Flour Mills Nigeria; Vera Adesegun – CEO, Oremi Craft; Inibong O. Onunkwo – CEO, Little Weavers.
In addition, three emerging entrepreneurs also emerged as grant winners to the tune of 3,000,000 Naira, receiving funding support to scale their businesses. The sum of 1,500,000 Naira was awarded to the first winner Adis Foods Haven, 1,000,000 Naira was awarded to the second winner Lil Miss Fab & to 500,000 Naira was awarded to the third winner demonstrating a commitment to creating lasting social and economic impact by Business Women Hub.
