Events
First Ladies, Women of Substance Celebrate Legacy of Building Women at 2019 WILS
The intimidating crowd that surged into the convention center of the Eko Hotel and Suites Tuesday to celebrate the 2019 edition of Handmaidens Women in Leadership Series with the theme, Leading Women Building Legacies, was a testimony of how far women have launched into the world of business, grabbing with both hands what were hitherto reserved for men.
The Summit was aimed at drawing attention to the crisis in leadership in Nigeria and causing the nation’s deepest thinkers and most innovative minds to come up with solutions to various problems. Also, it motivated women who wants to build a great career in life. The event brought together leading minds in career building and women empowerment.
Anchoring the programme, Mrs. Morin Desalu appreciated the presence of special and notable dignitaries who throng the venue including wives of governors, captains of industries, entertainment bigwigs and many more. She heaped encomiums on the Chief host, Pastor Siju Iluyomade, for her vision.
Pastor Siju Iluyomade
Kicking off with splendid praise and worship session, which was supervised by the Voices of Zion, the event nosedived into the recitation of the two stanzas of the national anthem. The rendition was a beauty to listen to as almost every soul in the hall participated, singing with fresh and renewed patriotism. It reestablished the blind faith with which women are known to approach any issue.
First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, set the ball rolling as she delivered a highly motivating address.
In her speech, she encouraged Nigerians, especially women, to put in their best in developing country, prophesying that “soon, foreigners will be rushing to Nigeria the same way Nigerians are rushing to other countries”, adding that ‘it will happen in our time’.
Also contributing, the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, encouraged the women on the need to be self-reliant and strive to academically and otherwise develop and invest in themselves through reading among other things.
She said: “I learnt everything I know, especially during childbirth and afterwards from reading books.”
She told women to make reading a habit, and endeavour to be a total mother.
In her short speech, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, highlighted that “women and anything about women is my passion”.
At this stage, the hall was enlivened with the sonorous voice of Enitan Adaba, who led all through a session of high worship. The session gave way to the inspirational speech of Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, who brought glad tidings from the state governor on his 54th birthday, highlighted that Lagos is committed to the welfare of the citizens, especially women.
With the representative of the first families of represented states done with their speeches, Pastor Iluyomade heartily delivered a welcome message where she cautioned that “greed can bring your legacy down” drawing inference from Proverbs 31 in the same was she preached gender equality.
She also recognized women of Valor who have made a difference in their chosen fields such as the first female Managing Director of Cadbury, Mrs. Oyeyimika Adeboye; Dean of Lagos Business School, Mrs. Enase Okonedo; Lawyer and CEO of Terra Kulture and theatre enthusiast, Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters among others
The highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by a seasoned Chicago based Oncologist, Dr. (Mrs.) Olufunmilayo Olapade.
Olapade, among many of her admonitions, lashed out at the government of Nigeria for not providing the required amenities and enabling environment for doctors to perform optimally.
She also charged the First Ladies to take up the banner of ensuring that drugs are made available in various hospitals to make it easy for patients to get at affordable price.
The event was a mixture of keynotes, unconference sessions, panels, and more to bring a rich set of content driven by a diverse audience.
The address was followed by the presentation of Born to Aspire awards to three deserving women, and they are veteran actress, Joke Sylva, Osayi Alile and Morin Desalu. The chief host, Pastor Iluyomade was also presented with the Original Born to Aspire award.
The event was rounded off with a panel session. The panel comprising 12 successful professionals and anchored by Osayi Alile, CEO, Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, deliberated on How to Build Legacies to Last.
The meat of the discussion centered on how women can overcome various challenges that limit their developmental strides.
Pastor Siju Iluyomade ended the discussion with a quote:
“There are various categories of people in this world, there are those who make things happen, there are those who watch things happen, there are some who wonder how things happen, while there are some who don’t know that anything have happened at all, so which one are you” she asked rhetorically.”
The members of the panel include Bolanle Austen-Peters, TY Bello, Mrs (Dr) Olufunmilayo Olapade, Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Prof. Sade Ogunsola, Prof. Enase Okonedo, Funke Bucknor Obruthe, Cecilia Akintomide, Kofo Akinkugbe, Dorathy Atoke, and Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro.
Mrs. Titilayo Akinsanya rounded the event off with a closing prayer to thank God for the success of the 2019 series.
Other dignitaries that attended the event included Honourable Duke, Mrs Bolaji Momodu, Mrs Quincy Akindele and a host of others.
The Leezeet Tender Heart Foundation, in partnership with Divine Care Hub, has held an inspiring Elderly Community Outreach Programme in Ikorodu.
Led by the founder, Mrs. Elizabeth Adegbite, the event celebrated and supported senior citizens, widows, and orphans, highlighting the importance of mental, physical, and social well-being for older adults.
The programme, themed “Promoting Economic Empowerment & Mental Wellness Among Older Adults,” included prayers, praise and worship, gentle exercises, massage therapy, nutrition talks, and economic empowerment sessions. Ms. Abimbola Shaba shared tips on Affordable Nutrition and Healthy Living for the Elderly, while Mrs. Adigun and Ms. Loveth highlighted social welfare and economic opportunities.
Creative moments included a heartfelt poem by Mrs. Grace Oni and a colorful senior fashion parade coordinated by Mrs. Oladehinde, reminding everyone that style has no age limit. The event was beautifully anchored by MC Mrs. Adebo and concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Fabunmi.
Mrs. Adegbite called on the Ikorodu community, NGOs, and individuals to step up interventions for the elderly, stressing that together, communities can ensure dignity, care, and hope for all seniors.
By Ruth Akpan Photos: Tunde Bolarinwa
The city of Ile-Ife lit up in colours penultimate week as the matriarch of the Ogunsakin family, Princess Emily Teniade Ogunsakin, was celebrated by family members, friends, associates and well wishers as she joined the nonagerian club.
It was a moment of grace and gratitude as all and sundry gathered to honour a remarkable woman of faith and grace, who joyfully marked her 90th birthday. The milestone event, hosted by her children led by Asiwaju Segun Ogunsakin, was a heartfelt celebration of a matriarch whose life has been defined by devotion, discipline, and divine favour.
The celebration began in the most fitting way; with praises and prayers at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ayegbaju, Ile-Ife. The church, filled with joyful hymns and the fragrance of thanksgiving, echoed with gratitude as Mama, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved ones, gave thanks to God for nine decades of His faithfulness.
The service was officiated by Rt. Rev. Olubunmi A. Akinlade, Bishop of the Diocese of Ife (Anglican Communion), who in his sermon extolled the celebrant’s unwavering commitment to the things of God. The Bishop described Mama as “a vessel of grace” whose life of prayer and humility has shaped generations.
He encouraged her to continue steadfastly in prayer, noting that “a mother’s prayer is the greatest covering a family can have.” His message resonated deeply with the congregation, serving as a reminder of the quiet but powerful influence of a godly matriarch.
The service was rich in hymns, scriptural readings and heartfelt prayers. The high point came when Mama, radiant and energetic, was called forward for a special thanksgiving. With graceful steps, she danced to the altar, her face glowing with joy and gratitude; a living testimony of strength at 90.
The service concluded with special prayers for her continued health, peace and prosperity. The congregation also joined in a stirring rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song, filling the sanctuary with warmth and celebration. A short photo session followed with the clergy and family, capturing moments that reflected the beauty of faith, family, and longevity.
From the church, guests proceeded to the Ojaja Arena, Ile-Ife for the grand reception. The spacious venue had been beautifully transformed into a scene of elegance and colour to reflect royalty befitting for a princess.
The event was masterfully compered by Yinka Salawu, who kept the guests entertained throughout the programme.
One after another, family members and friends took turns to share glowing tributes about the celebrant. Her children spoke of her as a prayer warrior, a pillar of wisdom, and a mother whose life of integrity continues to guide their paths. Friends described her as compassionate, disciplined, and deeply God-fearing.
For the Ogunsakin family, the day was not just about age; it was a celebration of legacy, values and enduring strength of a mother’s love.
The cutting of the beautifully designed birthday cake, surrounded by her children was a joyful moment. The hall came alive with applause, laughter, camera flashes and toast in honour of a woman who is well-loved by all.
Guests were later treated to a lavish spread of local and continental dishes, complemented by an array of drinks while the Adonai Band serenaded the gathering with a medley of gospel and highlife tunes, keeping the atmosphere vibrant and festive with melodies that carried both nostalgia and joy.
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