The Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) is set to host its annual Women in Management and Leadership (WIMLEAD) conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from July 21 to 23.

The three-day event will take place at Watbridge Hotels and Suites, focusing on the theme: “Empowered to Excel – Redefining Leadership, Growth and Balance for Women in a Changing World.”

In a statement released by the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Institute, Mrs. Taiwo Olusesi, the conference will provide a forum for professional women to exchange ideas on leadership, career development, and strategies for maintaining work-life balance.

Olusesi described WIMLEAD as a longstanding platform that enables women in leadership roles across both the private and public sectors to reflect on shared challenges and develop actionable insights. “WIMLEAD, the flagship of women conferences in Nigeria, which started twenty-four years ago, has become an important platform for women leaders… to rub minds and offer solutions to issues that directly affect them in the home front, the workplace and the economy,” she said.

This year’s conference will feature a keynote address by Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who will also serve as the Special Guest of Honour.

According to the Institute, other speakers and facilitators include Mrs. Funke Adepoju, Director General of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON); Mrs. Yinka Johnson, Executive Director for Business Development at Stanbic IBTC Asset Management; Dr. Ini Adiakpan, Advisor to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on the Nigeria for Women Project; and Offiongita Nkang, Registrar of the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi.

The conference will also feature a panel session titled *“The Future is Female: Fostering Equality and Diversity in Leadership.”* Panellists for this session include Mrs. Victoria Ajayi, Managing Director of TVC Communications, and Mrs. Abiola Adelana, Tourism Business Manager at Sterling Bank Plc.

Olusesi noted that the conference was created as part of the Institute’s commitment to supporting women’s advancement and leadership capacity. “The idea for this conference was mooted and integrated into the Institute’s yearly calendar to help women… to be the best of who they want to be,” she said.

She added that the Institute is mindful of the multiple demands placed on women in their careers and at home. “As the leading multidisciplinary professional body in Nigeria, the Institute fully understands most of the challenges faced by women… thereby achieving excellent work-life balance.”

The conference is expected to draw women professionals from various sectors of the Nigerian economy, reinforcing the Institute’s role in promoting inclusive leadership and professional development.