The Voice of Women (VOW) Conference & Awards 2016 took place at the Eko Hotels & Suites on Friday, 9 December at 10am and the conference was chaired by Nigeria’s business tycoon, Mrs Folorunso Alakija. The conference by key leaders of Industries who were concerned about the role of women in Nigeria’s development.
The theme for the VOW 2016 conference was FACING OUR FUTURE – TOGETHER and the focus was on our FATE – Finance, Agriculture, Technology & Entertainment. Key players at the conference include Her Excellency, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Baguda (CEO of Medicaidrad and Wife of the Governor of Kebbi State), Mr. Waheed Olagunju (Managing Director, Bank of Industry), Chief Mrs. Alaba Lawson (Iyalode of Egba-Land/Yoruba land)Ms. Funke Akindele-Bello, Mr. Bolaji Akinboro (MD Cellulant Nigeria), Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo), Ms. Shola David-Borha and others.
The highlight of the day was the Award ceremony that took place after the conference at the same venue. It was an evening of glitz and glamour as the event honoured individuals and organisations who have paved the way for women development in Nigeria.
Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi in her capacity as the Founder of Abovewhispers.com Media grouped won the Award for Best NGO supporting Women and their families.
Dr. Joe Odumakin won the person of the year award in recognition of work on women and civil rights.
Hon. Lola Akande in her capacity as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation won Best Govt. organisation supporting Women and their families.
Ms. Anike Agbaje-Williams ( First female broadcaster in Nigeria) won the special recognition award for paving the way for women in media.
The bank of Industry represented by their Managing Director, Mr. Waheed Olagunju also picked up a recognition award for bank’s effort on women development.