Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called on women to be intentional about mentoring the younger generation, emphasising that it remains one of the most powerful drivers of women’s progress globally.
Sanwo-Olu made this call at the 20th anniversary celebration of the NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) in Lagos with the theme; “Evolve, Elevate and Celebrate.”
The celebration brought together policymakers, business leaders, and women entrepreneurs who reaffirmed their commitment to promoting mentorship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth for women across Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ibeju Lekki General hospital, Dr. Ime Okon urged women to strengthen networks, capacity-building initiatives, and opportunities that empower emerging female leaders to thrive in an increasingly competitive economy.
The First Lady highlighted various empowerment initiatives implemented through her office, including the School Support Initiative, Senior Citizen Support Programmes, and other targeted interventions designed to help Lagos residents unlock their full potential.
“As we celebrate this 20th-year milestone, I charge you to remain intentional about mentoring other women, especially the younger generation. Women helping women should continue to be our collective mantra. Let us ensure that aspiring women entrepreneurs have access to the right networks, knowledge, and opportunities to succeed. I salute your strength and determination. You are the heartbeat of innovation and the drivers of transformation,” she said, quoting Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey to emphasise women’s limitless potential and resilience.
Chairman of NNEW’s Board of Trustees, Lola Okanlawon, represented by board member, Maria Eka, described the organisation’s 20-year journey as a testament to collective strength, resilience, and determination.
She said the group has empowered over 30,000 women through various initiatives, including a cooperative society and a microfinance bank that promote social change and economic growth.
“Our organisation has been a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a launching pad for success. As we mark this significant milestone, we are not looking back but forging ahead to build a brighter, more inclusive future,” she said.
In her keynote address titled, “Leadership: Boardroom, Blockchain and Balance Sheet, The Next-Gen Women Entrepreneur,” Founder and Executive Vice-Chair of Emerging Africa Capital Group, Dr. Toyin Sanni underscored the need for women to embrace technology and financial literacy as essential tools for modern entrepreneurship.
“We are living at the intersection of leadership, technology, and finance. Women must not only adopt digital tools but lead in innovation,” she said, noting that Emerging Africa has launched digital apps such as Emerging Wealth and Emma AI to enhance client engagement.
Sanni who was represented by Group Director of Origination Wealth Management and NED Emerging Africa Trustee Limited, Mrs. Joy Ogho-Ogho Osula called on women entrepreneurs to build sustainability into their enterprises, stressing that empowerment goes beyond starting a business to sustaining and scaling it through sound financial management and access to capital.
Earlier, NNEW President, Mrs. Adefunke Kuyoro represented by Vice President Mrs. Bolanle Edward announced the launch of a 10-year strategic plan aimed at deepening women’s inclusion, advancing digital innovation, and expanding entrepreneurial impact across Nigeria.
“Our theme, Evolve, Elevate, Celebrate, captures our journey perfectly. As we move into the next decade, NNEW will continue to nurture globally competitive women leaders who will transform African economies,” she said.
