• Super Admin
• 07 Mar, 2026

Women seeking long-term influence and economic power must prioritise building strong skills rather than chasing quick financial rewards, Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, has advised. Speaking during a fireside chat at an International Women's Day event in Lagos, moderated by Oluseye Olusoga, Group managing director / CEO, Parthian Partners, Oduwole urged young women and professionals to focus on developing capabilities that will sustain their careers over time, warning that the pursuit of quick success can be misleading. "Skills provide a long-term foundation for success," she said. "Money and excitement can be temporary, but when you build strong capabilities, the opportunities and rewards eventually follow." Oduwole spoke at an event themed "VioletsForHer: Build, Leverage, Multiply," organised by i-invest to mark the global celebration of women's achievements and leadership. The minister used her own career journey, spanning investment banking, academia and public service to illustrate how deliberate choices and patience can shape meaningful professional impact. According to her, many young professionals today face pressure to achieve visible success quickly, particularly in an era of social media where global success stories are constantly amplified. This environment, she noted, can create unrealistic expectations for early career achievements. "I've had similar conversations with my son who is already thinking deeply about his future," she said. "Young people today are exposed to so many success stories that it can feel like you must achieve everything immediately. But real success is usually the result of many small decisions made consistently over time." She explained that while dramatic turning points often receive the most attention, careers are typically shaped by daily choices about learning, discipline and personal development. Those decisions, she said, accumulate gradually to determine long-term outcomes. Reflecting on her own experience, Oduwole recalled that her first professional role was in investment banking, where she worked on the legal side of financial services as a trained lawyer. Although the work was intellectually stimulating, the demanding schedule eventually clashed with the responsibilities of raising a young child. The experience prompted her to reconsider her career direction and explore a path that would allow both professional fulfilment and family balance. That decision eventually led her into academia, a move that initially surprised some members of her family but ultimately aligned with her deeper motivation to create meaningful impact. Impact, she said, has always been the driving force behind her career choices. "Financial reward was never something I rejected," she explained. "But it was not my primary motivation. I wanted to work in spaces where I could influence outcomes and contribute meaningfully to society." Her transition into public service later represented another significant step in that journey. Oduwole acknowledged that politics and governance often demand personal sacrifices, including long working hours and constant travel. During the early years of her government service, she frequently commuted between Lagos and Abuja while ensuring she remained actively present in her children's lives. Maintaining that balance required discipline and determination, she said, but it reinforced the importance of aligning career decisions with personal priorities. Beyond career choices, the minister also emphasised the importance of strategic thinking in leadership. Power, she explained, is not only about occupying formal positions but about shaping agendas and influencing outcomes. "Raw power requires intentionality," she said. "You have to think strategically about what you want to achieve and how to position yourself to influence decisions." Without that level of intentional planning, individuals risk becoming passive participants in decisions made by others. "If you're not helping to shape the agenda, you may end up being shaped by it," she warned. Oduwole also highlighted the role of community and support systems in sustaining leadership journeys, noting that success can sometimes be isolating. Trusted networks, mentors and honest advisers are therefore essential in helping leaders navigate difficult moments and maintain perspective. She encouraged women to actively pursue leadership opportunities rather than waiting to be invited into decision-making spaces. "Leadership often requires sacrifice and readiness," she said. "Women must be willing to step forward and take on challenges with the same confidence that men often display." Despite the challenges facing Nigeria, the minister said she remains optimistic about the country's economic future, pointing to emerging opportunities across multiple sectors. She urged young professionals to examine economic trends carefully and identify areas where innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development can create new value. "There are many opportunities in this economy," she said. "But you have to be prepared, and preparation begins with building the right skills." At the event, speakers at a panel session emphasised that strong networks among women can translate into real economic opportunities when social capital is intentionally cultivated. The discussion, themed "The ROI of Sisterhood: Turning Social Capital into Financial Power," featured Funto Ibuoye, chief executive officer of Five28; Idia Aisien, a Nigerian-Cameroonian television presenter and news anchor; Olohunde Thompson, general counsel at Alerzo Limited; and Olayinka Oyetunji, associate partner at EY and founder of C.L.E.A.N. The session was moderated by media executive Esther Alade. Panelists shared personal experiences on how sisterhood and supportive professional relationships helped shape their leadership journeys and career breakthroughs. Some noted that working in male-dominated environments often meant being the only woman in the room, making it necessary for women who eventually reach senior positions to intentionally lift others. Others highlighted the role of family and mentorship networks, explaining that their careers were influenced by the guidance and support of female relatives, colleagues and mentors who helped them navigate difficult career decisions. The speakers also highlighted how informal connections and social interactions can open unexpected doors. One panelist recounted how a chance meeting with a group of African women in New York eventually led to an investment banking opportunity that redirected her career. Another explained that after leaving a corporate accounting role early in her career, support from a female professional contact helped her secure a new position that ultimately led to launching her own interior design business. Beyond emotional support, the panel stressed that social capital can translate directly into financial opportunities when built on trust, competence and consistent engagement. The speakers noted that competence alone is often not enough for career advancement, stressing the importance of building relationships, finding sponsors who can advocate in decision-making rooms and collaborating rather than competing with other women. When networks are grounded in authenticity and shared goals, they said, professional relationships can evolve into referrals, partnerships and investment opportunities that strengthen women's economic power. Source: https://businessday.ng/news/article/international-womens-day-oduwole-tells-women-to-prioritise-skills-over-money-for-long-term-impact/