Sola POPOOLA
Nigerian women have been challenged to move beyond merely raising concerns about their plight to translating their voices into practical solutions, value and lasting impact that can drive meaningful change in the society.
The charge was given by business mogul and philanthropist, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, while delivering the keynote address at the 10th Voice of Women Conference and Awards, VOW2026, held on Tuesday At Harbour Point in Lagos.
This came as the former First Lady of Ekiti State ,Erelu Bisi also cautioned Nigerian women against investing in their own oppression by reinforcing patriarchal norms that hold them back.
Erelu Fayemi,Co-founder of the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement,called for personal commitment to social change, qualitative legal and policy frameworks to dismantle oppressive patriarchal values, comprehensive implementation, investment of financial, human and technical resources, and strong political will.
The conference, organised by the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation and Women Radio WFM 91.7, with the theme _”A Decade of Voices and Impact,”_ commemorated 10 years of advocacy and amplification of women’s voices in Nigeria.
Alakija said the last decade has proven what women can do when given a platform to speak, noting that the next decade must be about converting voices into value, influence and transformation.
The Business mogul urged women to ensure that their voices count, their competence delivers results, their visibility has purpose and their influence drives action.
Addressing the theme of women’s visibility in governance,Mrs Fayemi said the conversation must continue because “talking is what leads to action and results.”
She noted that despite challenges, African women have made significant gains and changed political landscapes in countries like South Africa, Liberia, Rwanda, Namibia and Kenya, adding that while Nigeria still has a long way to go, progress is not impossible.
Erelu Fayemi said :
“We need to continue to work together in sisterhood and solidarity across borders, to leverage our experiences, and our lessons should be documented and shared on a consistent basis,” she said.
In a moment that drew loud applause, the former First Lady read an abridged version of her viral poem, *”THE ONE-HOUR WOMAN”* — a satirical response to a recent lecture by a certain ‘Mummy’ who advised working women to use their one-hour lunch break to dash home, cook for their husbands, leave a note saying “enjoy your meal,” and dash back to work.
Fayemi lampooned the advice, questioning its practicality: “Marina to Yaba? Yaba to Agege? Victoria Island to Okokomaiko? Ikeja to Mowe? It doesn’t seem to matter.”
According to her, the memes of women in skirt suits and corporate dresses rushing home to chop onions, fry meat, pound yam and set tables have flooded the internet, reducing women’s struggle for dignity to a joke.
Also speaking at the conference, Dr Stella Okoli, Founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, challenged women to convert their voices and ideas into value through entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise. Okoli encouraged women to start from where they were and build steadily, stressing that women could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic development by creating businesses, industries and solutions.
Meanwhile, Eng. Noimot Salako-Oyedele*, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, congratulated Women Radio and VOWEF for sustaining a platform that has brought issues affecting women to public attention over the past decade. She noted that while women had made progress in education, enterprise and public service, gaps remained in economic opportunities, healthcare, education, leadership and participation in governance.
Salako-Oyedele urged women to support and mentor one another, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for others as they advance. “Lift as you rise,” she said. She also called on participants to translate conversations from the conference into practical action through stronger networks, partnerships and renewed commitment.
The conference featured discussions on women’s leadership, political participation, enterprise, representation and the need to create more opportunities for women across different sectors.
The event also received support from corporate partners, including *FirstBank, Asha Microfinance Bank, LIRS, Government of Ekiti State, United Nigeria Airline, Airpeace, Amandla*, whose involvement reinforced the importance of private-sector partnerships in advancing conversations and initiatives focused on women and families.
A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to advancing women’s voices, empowerment and health. Among those recognised were *Dr Stella Okoli*, Founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries; *Dr Olasupo Olusi.
Also honoured were ,the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry; Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Member of the House of Representatives representing Kosofe Federal Constituency; and *Mr Ayodele Zubair, Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), *Barrister Olumide Omosebi among others.
Earlier in her opening remarks ,the Executive Director of the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation and Chair Board of Directors Women Radio WFM 91.7, *Toun Okewale-Sonaiya said the 10th anniversary represents not just a celebration of the journey but a call to deepen the impact of the platform.
As VOW begins its second decade, the focus is shifting from simply giving women a voice to ensuring that those voices translate into value, influence, action and measurable impact.