Iluyomade, Olapade, others challenge women to build lasting legacies

The MD/CEO, Handmaidens Women in Leadership Series (WiLS), Dr. Siju Iluyomade; Haematology oncologist and Director of the University of Chicago Hospital’s Cancer Risk Clinic, Dr. Olufunmilayo I. Olopade; Lagos State governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, her Edo State counterpart, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki among other dignitaries at this year’s WiLS event, have challenged Nigerian women to build legacies that will outlive them.

Handmaidens WiLs is aimed at enlightening and empowering women to positively impact the society. This year’s edition with the theme, “Leading Women- Building Legacies”, had Dr. Olopade as the keynote speaker alongside other panellists and speakers.

With a vision to building a network for women to leverage on and grooming up-and-coming ladies, the conference holds yearly and has never lacked for a massive audience.

The convener in her speech urged women to maximize their talent, strengths and skills to do what matters to create an atmosphere of opportunity for other women to rise. “Legacies are built when we monitor our impact on others. Furthermore, lasting legacies are built when poor or maleficent behaviours and attitudes that dilute impact are done away with.

Iluyomade said: “Poor health is one of the obstacles standing against a woman’s career, particularly the ravaging disease called cancer. Taking care of our health enables us maximize our full potential in all we take on.”

Iluyomade is of the believe that women enjoy each other’s company and draw strength from each other, which was what informed her decision to start the Handmaidens, years ago, as a vehicle to empower women to fulfil their destinies in Christ.

She was thankful that an initiative that was birthed several years ago is still standing to see its 21st edition.

With focus on building lasting legacies, over 10 presentations were delivered by the accomplished panellists such as founder of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen Peters; accomplished photographer, TY Bello; founder and CEO, SecureID, Kofo Akinkugbe; Deputy Vice Chancellor, UNILAG, Prof. Sade Ogunsola; Dean- Lagos Business School, Prof. Enase Okonedo; Independent Non-Executive Director at First Bank, Cecilia Akintomide; Editor-in-Chief Today’s Woman, Adesuwa Onyenokwe; Founder and CEO- Zapphaire Events, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe and Award winning Entrepreneur, Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro.

Also in attendance was the wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; wife of the Speaker, House Representatives, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila and Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu (rtd).