By Angela Tony Iji
The Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has announced plans for its 24th Annual Conference, set to hold on November 6–7, 2025, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The hybrid event combining physical and virtual participation will bring together women from across Nigeria and around the world to engage in transformative dialogue and learning.
Themed “O.W.N: Own. Walk. Nurture.”, this year’s conference calls on women to embrace their stories, walk boldly in power, and nurture the next generation of leaders. The keynote address will be delivered by Arunma Oteh, a globally respected financial strategist and former Treasurer of the World Bank, while Hon. Justice Amina Augie (Rtd.), former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, will serve as the Conference Chairperson.
A Platform for Reflection and Renewal
At a press briefing in Lagos, Bisi Adeyemi, Chairman of the WIMBIZ Board of Trustees, described the upcoming event as “not just a conference but a movement, one that celebrates resilience, inclusion, and the audacity of women to rise and lead.”
“This remains the most anticipated event on the women’s calendar,” she said. “For 24 years, WIMBIZ has been a catalyst for leadership and inclusion. The 2025 conference is another opportunity for women to take charge of their stories and make their mark on the world.”
OWN: A Call to Courage and Confidence
Speaking on the theme, Omowunmi Akinbohungbe, Executive Director of WIMBIZ, explained that “OWN” emerged from months of reflection on the realities faced by women today.
“Too many women, even accomplished ones, still wrestle with self-doubt, stereotypes, and societal labels,” she said. “Through this theme, we are encouraging every woman to Own her story, both the perfect and imperfect parts; Walk in power with confidence and authenticity; and Nurture others by mentoring, supporting, and lifting one another.”
She further revealed that over 344,000 women have been inspired through WIMBIZ’s conferences, mentorship programmes, and advocacy initiatives over the years.
Conference Highlights
Chairperson of the Conference Planning Group, Mrs. Abimbola Wright, outlined the rich line-up of sessions for the two-day event, which will include four plenary sessions, two deep-dive discussions, a fireside chat, and the famous WIMBIZ Debate.
Key session topics include:
“The Wealth Playbook: Women, Economic Power & Sustainability”
“Protirement: Reimagining the Next Chapter with Purpose”
“Whole Woman, Whole Life: Wellness as a Journey, Not a Destination”
“Rethink, Reframe, Revitalize: The Power of Intergenerational Collaboration”
The much-anticipated WIMBIZ Debate, known for its mix of humour and insight, will return this year with the theme “Access vs. Certification.” Delegates will engage in lively discourse exploring what truly drives success, opportunity or qualification.
Wright emphasised that the 2025 edition comes at a crucial time in Nigeria and globally.
“We are living in a period of transition. This conference provides space for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration where wisdom meets innovation,” she said.
Beyond the Conference: WIMBIZ’s Broader Advocacy
Beyond its annual conference, WIMBIZ continues to advocate for greater representation of women in leadership. In partnership with the British Deputy High Commission, the Nigerian High Commission, and the Institute of Directors (IoD), WIMBIZ has hosted initiatives promoting women’s participation in international trade and leadership.
Through its Women in Law initiative, the organisation has reached more than 3,000 female legal professionals, promoting mentorship and gender inclusion.
WIMBIZ has also collaborated with WILAN, WISCAR, and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to form the Women in Leadership Coalition, an alliance pushing for modern labour reforms, gender balance in corporate spaces, and inclusive governance across Nigeria.
A Global Movement with Local Impact
Over the past 24 years, WIMBIZ has grown into a powerful network of over 3,700 accomplished women, impacting lives through programmes that inspire, empower, and advocate for women in business, management, and public service.
Delegates from more than 15 countries, including the UK, U.S., Canada, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Singapore are expected at this year’s conference, reflecting WIMBIZ’s increasing global reach and influence.
Countdown to November
As the countdown begins, excitement continues to build for what promises to be a landmark event in women’s empowerment.
In the words of Akinbohungbe, “Together, let’s own our stories, walk in power, and nurture the future.”
Registration for the 24th Annual Conference is now open via the WIMBIZ website and WIMBIZ mobile app, offering attendees access to all sessions, speaker interactions, and networking opportunities.
