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By Agatha Emeadi
Distinguished panelists: Ogechi Eleojo, Elizabeth Kings-Wali, Ruth Ebe-Emordi, and Efi Obioma, at the maiden edition of HERbernation held in Lagos at the weekend shared their personal journeys in life.
Each of them reflected on how they navigated challenges, found strength, and reignited their passion as women.
Their stories, which resonated deeply with the attendees, underscored the power of perseverance, purpose, and resilience. These were part of the activities put together to round off the celebrations for International Women’s Day 2025.
According to Ozioma Ubabukoh, principal consultant of Plexus, organizers of HERbernation, the theme ‘Rise, Renew and Reignite, is a powerful call to action which reminds women that no matter where their journey is, there is always room to rise beyond their limitation, renew their strength, and reignite the passion that drives them.
“Rise, Renew and Reignite is a powerful call to action which reminds that no matter where a woman’s journey is, there is always room to rise beyond her limitation, renew their strength, and reignite the passion that drives them,” he said.
With the remark, HERbernation became a pivotal moment for women and also served as a space for reflection, empowerment, and personal growth at the occasion.
Also speaking, Ogechi Eleojo, an accomplished learning leader with expertise in digital and transformative learning programmes, talked passionately about the challenges women face in balancing multiple roles.
Her words: “We live in a fast-paced world where women juggle endless expectations and often forget to take a moment for themselves.
“But today is about women’s stories, growth, and the journey toward becoming the best version of ourselves.”
She also emphasized the importance of finding one’s purpose, sharing her personal experience about not being recognized for promotion at work despite her qualifications.
“It could be a devastating experience. But I knew my purpose was bigger than the recognition. When a woman discovers her purpose, she will find fulfillment in the impact she makes, even when she feels undervalued,” Eleojo said.
Also, Elizabeth Kings-Wali shared her personal fertility challenge.
She narrated how she had to focus on her career and made sacrifices, even distancing herself from her family, who were more concerned about her fertility journey.
Hear her: “During my years of waiting, I focused on excelling in my job while my husband and I kept our fertility challenges to ourselves.
“If you cannot excel in one area of your life, focus on excelling in another. Never let your challenges define you.”
For all the panelists, one thread runs through the eye of the needle as they are all united by their husband’s supports in their various challenges.
They urged women to rise above their situations, discover their true purpose, conquer their personal and professional landscapes.
“HERbernation was not just an event, but a reminder that women, regardless of their circumstances, have the strength to renew themselves and reignite the passion that drives them toward success,” Kings-Wali said.
