12 Women Win N100,000 Business Grant From Lead Generation Initiative

To commemorate the annual International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, the Lead Generation Initiative announced the winners of an N100,000 business grant for 12 young women set up by the organisation. The winners cut across the 6 political zones of Nigeria. The announcement was made by Chief (Mrs.) Ayobola Abiola Peller, the Executive Director of the organisation, during its International Women’s Day virtual conference themed: “Choose to Challenge – Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World.”

Lead Generation Initiative is a non-governmental, non-profit and non-partisan organisation committed to providing opportunities for new generations of leaders in nation-building. As part of the organisation’s effort to realise its goals, an International Women’s Day virtual conference was organised.

The conference, anchored by Morayo Afolabi-Brown, the host of TVC’s Your View had Dr Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Solid Minerals and Education as the keynote speaker. In her keynote address, Dr Oby encouraged women to participate more actively in politics and support other women who go into the field.

“Our women must understand that leadership is gender-neutral. It’s the exercise of influencing people to achieve a vision,” she said.

The conference also had two guest speakers and twelve panellists which included Abike Dabiri, a former member of the Nigeria Federal House of Representatives, Hajia Umma Getso, an Entrepreneur and a Political Activist, Dr Morenike Bashau, Chief Creative Director of Dewia Options Limited, Edem Ossai, founder of MAYEIN, Rinsola Abiola, Former S.A on New Media to the Speaker, House of Representative, Tinu Aigwedo, Hajia Zariyatu Hashidu, Aanu Rotimi, Hon Stelle Okotete, Hon Taiwo Oluga, Amb. Anne Ogozi Peters, Founder of AOA Foundation and many other notable women in the field of Business, Politics and Corporate Organisation.

One of the guest speakers, Tara Fela-Durotoye of The House of Tara, in her speech, encouraged women to test the waters and branch out more in whatever field they choose. While sharing pictures of herself when she started with bridal makeup, she stated that young women should not go into business for the money alone. 

“It is possible to start small and grow big. Start small, dream big, go far, and stay consistent.”

Towards the end of the event, over 200 participants of the conference were divided into 3 break-out sessions for about an hour where various panellists answered their questions on different industries.

One of the participants, Kawthar Omisore, a student of the University of Ibadan said the event was awesome and enlightening. She was glad for the opportunity to listen to notable and experienced women talk.