WIMBIZ unveils 25th anniversary logo, offers N6m grants

Women in Management, Business and Public Service, on Tuesday, formally launched the countdown to its 25th annual conference, scheduled for November 5 and 6, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The hybrid event, which will be held both physically and virtually, is themed “Rooted, Rising, Ready: Born in Africa, Built for the World.”

At a media briefing held at the UNDP Innovation Centre, Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, the organisers named a veteran corporate governance and strategy professional, Bennedikter Molokwu, as the conference chairperson.

Molokwu, who has served on more than 15 boards and is a past president of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, brings decades of experience in governance, risk management and women’s empowerment to the silver jubilee edition.

A key announcement at the briefing was the 2026 WIMBIZ Impact Investment Opportunity, which will provide a grant pool of up to N6m for outstanding female entrepreneurs in sectors including food and beverage, sustainability and innovation.

The initiative is supported by the Nigerian Bottling Company, Coca-Cola, Unilever and AllOn, with First Bank remaining its main partner, having supported WIMBIZ for the past 25 years.

In partnership with AllOn, WIMBIZ also launched the AllOn Solar Challenge.

Under the programme, two female entrepreneurs will each receive a fully installed solar system, comprising panels, inverters, batteries and installation, to support women-led businesses in the clean energy space.

The organisation disclosed that it was collaborating with IWOSAN to provide health assessments for delegates at the conference.

It is also working with the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, to offer business development advisory services to participants.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the WIMBIZ 25th Anniversary Committee, Mrs Awena Ajumogobia, said the milestone presented an opportunity not only to celebrate how far the organisation had come, but also to reflect on the stories, experiences and impact that had shaped its journey over the past 25 years.

Addressing distinguished guests, members and friends of the organisation, Ajumogobia said storytelling would be at the heart of the anniversary celebrations.

According to her, the initiative will capture the voices, experiences and achievements of women whose lives and leadership have been touched by WIMBIZ.

“These stories will remind us of our collective progress, inspire the next generation of women leaders, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing women in business and leadership,” she said.

She, however, stressed that the anniversary was not only about looking back, but also about looking forward.

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Ajumogobia noted that over the years, the organisation had identified access to finance as one of the critical barriers limiting the growth and potential of women-owned businesses.

She said, “As we celebrate 25 years of impact, we are therefore turning our attention to how we can help address this challenge and unlock greater opportunities for women to build, grow, and scale their businesses.”

The anniversary committee chairperson disclosed that WIMBIZ was working towards practical solutions that could make access to finance more attainable for women.

She added that more details of the proposed solutions would be unveiled at the WIMBIZ annual conference, where the organisation would share more about “this important next chapter in our journey.”

Ajumogobia also unveiled the visual identity for the milestone, describing the 25th anniversary logo as “more than a symbol of celebration.”

She explained that the logo represented 25 years of purpose, progress and the power of women impacting women, as well as the organisation’s renewed commitment to shaping a future where more women could thrive.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour to formally unveil the WIMBIZ 25th anniversary logo, celebrating 25 years of impacting women,” she said.

WIMBIZ urged participants to register early via the official portals.

Over the past 25 years, the organisation has built a network of more than 3,700 accomplished women and impacted hundreds of thousands through mentoring, advocacy and its flagship annual conference.

The 2026 edition will feature plenary sessions, breakout masterclasses and networking opportunities focused on leadership, business growth and global impact.

Among those present at the briefing were the founders of WIMBIZ, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, Mrs Morin Desalu and Mrs Adeola Azeez.

The trustees of the organisation, Mrs Osayi Alile and Mrs Rolake Akinkugbe Filani, were also in attendance.

Others present included the Executive Director of WIMBIZ, Mrs Omowunmi Akingbohungbe; the Chair of the Conference Planning Committee, Mrs Ronke Onadeko; and the Vice Chair of the committee, Mrs Yemisi Peters.