Entertainment and Events

BNI Nigeria to host the maiden edition of WomenConnect Workshop and Networking Mixer on March 30

BNI, the World’s largest and most successful business referral organization will on Thursday March 30, 2023, host the inaugural edition of its WomenConnect seminar with the theme: Connect, Collaborate, Gain Support.

The seminar is designed as a workshop and networking mixer for entrepreneurs and business executives including startups with special focus on women. It will afford participants the opportunity to meet and engage with women leaders who could make a difference in their business and career journey. 

According to Mrs. Omu Obilor, Executive Director with BNI Nigeria, “participants will have the opportunity to connect with inspiring women, expand their network, and receive the support they need to achieve their business goals”.

A recent report from McKinsey backs the seminar theme as it states that women in leadership roles are switching careers at the highest rates ever. In fact, experts are calling it the “Great Breakup,” as women in high positions are demanding more from their workplaces, and leaving their companies in unprecedented numbers in order to move forward in their careers. With women reaching out and embracing many professions, businesses, and leadership roles in Nigeria, there is no better time to connect them with inspiring women and professionals for that leap in their business.

Speakers and facilitators at the WomenConnect includes Mrs. Folasade Odunaiya who is the Chief Responsibility Officer of Inventivo Professional Services, operators of the ActionCoach Franchise in Nigeria. Mrs. Odunaiya also serves on the board of several companies including Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers.

Other speakers are Mrs. Bunmi Oke Frpa, a former President of the Board of Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Chief Operating Officer of 141 Worldwide, and currently, CEO of Ladybird Limited.

Also is Eriye Onagoruwa of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited. Eriye is a multi-hyphenate energy professional with vast experience in government relations and sustainability issues and driven by a passion to impacting her community through service to humanity. She is also a novelist, with her first novel, “Dear Alaere”, published by Paperworth Books in 2020. We also have as speaker, Mrs. Kenny Olubanjo, a multi-talented entrepreneur and director, business profits, at Sobanjo International.

The speakers list also includes Barrister Nnenna Nwaokobia of Grand House of Law and Secretary of Health Emergency Initiative and also a member of ICMR ODR College of Neutrals; Mrs. Ugochi Ossai, a Personal Development Coach and Director Africa, Ignite Global School;  Barrister Idongesit Esho, Founder and CEO of Ausott International Limited and Executive Director at House of Cathy Gheorges; Joy Fapohunda, a human resource professional and consultant; and, Mrs. Omu Obilor, a transformational coach and vision pruner, a founding member of world renown JohnMaxwell Leadership Team, a TEDX Speaker, presenter of ThriveWithOmu and board member, Children Living With Cancer Foundation.

The event also has the strong backing of the men as Mr. Jide Ogunleye will be featuring on the speakers list. Mr. Ogunleye is a performance-driven professional with 15+ year’s technology experience, having contributed significantly to the changing face of digital technology in Nigeria in diverse industry sectors such as Aviation, Telecoms and Banking. Some of the brands he has worked with includes MTN Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc, UBA Group, Access Bank, Arik Air, NCC, Federal Ministry of Information and Tavia Technologies. A member of the International Institute of Business Analysis, Mr. Jide Ogunleye is the Director of Communications at Playhouse Communication Ltd and Founder of Ritemate Technologies Limited.

The loaded two-hour WomenConnect event will overall feature seven inspiring speakers, “How-To” presentations and strategies, four networking breakout sessions, 100% business discussions, tools and information for business growth, business opportunities, plus, a chance for local and global introductions.

According to the organizers “while most of the world is becoming increasingly connected, the gender gap in business and entrepreneurship is still very much glaring, the western countries inclusive, with women not receiving as much attention as their men counterparts and being relegated to the background, even in matters of business opportunities and access to funding, business networking and growth. Advancing women’s connectivity in business is therefore a key component to ensuring their economic empowerment.” 

WomenConnect 2023 is a virtual event via zoom to enable women from various cities and countries to attend and participate. Registration and participation at WomenConnect 2023 is free. Register now and reserve your spot to attend. https://bit.ly/3ms9xUr

About BNI

BNI (www.bni.com) is the world’s leading business referral organization supporting 300,000 Member businesses in over 75 countries worldwide. In 2022, BNI Members generated $20.4 billion USD in revenue via more than 13 million referrals. Many BNI Chapters are currently meeting using BNI Online®, a powerful and convenient platform that enables Members to continue sharing new client referrals. BNI Members are actively supported by regional, national, and global BNI staff that provide the training, structure, and technology needed to help them grow their businesses and exceed their goals.

The mission of BNI is to help BNI Members increase their business through a structured, positive and professional referral marketing program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.

Established in 1985, BNI is a Member focused business referral network that works. Entrepreneurs develop long lasting relationships with like-minded business professionals, create opportunities through referral marketing and grow their business skills. BNI Members, are part of an organization that has experienced consistent growth, year-after-year, for 38 years.

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