• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

The second edition of the Woman of Substance Conference and Awards, themed "Give to Gain: The Power of Reciprocity and Support," took place on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Founded by Ify Onyegbule, the event brought together women of impact across diverse sectors to celebrate leadership, influence, and empowerment. In her welcome address, Onyegbule described WOSCA as a calling to give women a voice. She said, "Today is not just an event; it is a purpose in motion. We stand as women of substance; women who rise, who give, and who understand that impact multiplies when shared. This year's theme is bold and transformational. Give to gain: the power of reciprocity and support. When you give a woman an opportunity, she gains confidence; when you give support, she gains strength. And when women gain, families thrive, businesses grow, and communities transform." She also encouraged attendees to support the initiative in whatever capacity they could. "Whatever you give today will directly support our programmes, outreach initiatives, and the women whose lives are changed beyond this hall. Whether large or small, give with purpose." The conference featured a lineup of impactful speakers and discussions on women's roles across various sectors. Veteran broadcaster Adaora Onyechere spoke on "Gender Inclusion as a Driver of Economic Advancement," highlighting women's underrepresentation in politics, business, and public life. She cited stark statistics: only four women in Nigeria's 109-member Senate, 16 women in the 360-member House of Representatives, and women-led start-ups receiving less than 3% of venture capital funding across Africa. "Women constitute roughly half of Nigeria's population yet occupy less than 7 per cent of public offices," she noted. "Excluding women is not just unfair; it is an economic emergency. Gender inclusion is a growth engine -- GDP rises, corruption declines, governance improves, and societal outcomes strengthen across generations." Other speakers included consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Sunday Olowogbayi, who spoke on understanding fibroids and women's health risks; MD of Nanny Academy, Amara Agbim, who discussed caregiving; and communication specialist, Adesuwa Onyenokwe, who addressed raising the next generation of female leaders in broadcasting. The event also celebrated women's achievements through awards, recognising outstanding contributions across sectors. Among the honourees were veteran broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede; Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed; Founder of Brisa Women Foundation, Delphine Nwachukwu; Barrister Oluwabukola Teriba; Clinical Manager of Nordica, Olori Ranti Ajayi; Founder/Creative Director of Zizi Cardow, Zizi Cardow; and ED of the Sickle Cell Advocacy Management Initiative, Toyin Adesola. Other awardees included Adaora Sydney-Jack, Nonye Nweke, Amara Agbim, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Olori Janet Afolabi, Chibuzo Obichukwu, Temitope Owoeye, Florence Ogunyamoju, Rose Mordi, and Felicia Agubata. Source: https://punchng.com/wosca-2026-celebrates-women-of-substance/