By Chinenye Anuforo
The SheCan Do More 6.0 Conference, a key event focused on women’s empowerment in Nigeria, is scheduled for July 18, 2025, in Lagos. With over 5,700 registrations already confirmed, the conference is expected to have a substantial impact, reflecting Nigerian women’s strong drive for growth and achievement.
The organization, built on the pillars of Educate, Empower, and Transform, revealed its ambitious plans and impressive registration numbers at a recent press briefing.
Ezinne Ezeani, Founder of SheCan Nigeria during a recent press briefing yesterday, emphasized the organization’s core philosophy. “At SheCan, we strongly believe in the power of women and the importance of achieving more,” Ezeani stated.
She highlighted the extensive work beyond the annual conference, including training sessions, business roundtables, and career roundtables, alongside vital mentorship programs where accomplished female leaders guide aspiring women.
Ezeani underscored that SheCan’s message is inclusive and empowering. “If you are a woman, you have the potential to do and be more, regardless of your background,” she affirmed. “We encourage women not to seek professional preference simply because they are women, but because they possess the capability, a strong voice, and the innate ability to achieve great things.”
She detailed the comprehensive empowerment programs which include vocational training, business clinics, business support, and enterprise development, having empowered thousands of women across Nigeria with various skill acquisition programs.
The transform pillar, according to her, is where the conference truly shines. “These gatherings are designed to transform lives by bringing together industry leaders to share their success stories, women who have risen from humble beginnings to achieve significant accomplishments,” she explained. “The meticulous selection process for speakers ensures they embody the ‘do more’ story through their achievements and positive community impact.”
This year’s conference will feature three dynamic panel discussions.” The first, “Discovering Your Life,” will focus on holistic well-being. “We believe that a woman excelling in her career but neglecting her home, health, or mental state is not truly thriving,” Ezeani remarked, emphasizing that a SheCan woman is a well-rounded woman empowered in all aspects of her life.”
Following a networking and breakout session, the second panel will offer business and career insights. The third panel, Everyday Family, Everyday Wholeness, will cover all aspects of a fulfilling life.
Ezeani expressed her gratitude to partners, acknowledging the collaborative effort required for such a large-scale event. “This event isn’t just about me; it’s about our incredible partners. We are immensely grateful because without your support, this wouldn’t be possible,” she said.
Funke Alabi, General Manager, Business Intelligence, MTN Nigeria, representing Oyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, addressed the press.
She said, “At MTN, we believe growth only has meaning when it is inclusive. That is why we are so proud to be aligning with SheCan Nigeria, a movement that sees the same world we do: one where women are not only visible but audible, not only invited but empowered.”
She emphasized MTN’s commitment, calling the partnership more than a partnership, it is a vow.” Alabi connected the conference theme, “The Woman and Her Power,” to MTN’s values. “When women are empowered to recognize and harness their power, they become unstoppable forces for innovation, leadership, and transformation,” she asserted, noting this belief is deeply embedded in our values and reflected in one of MTN’s sponsorship strategic focus entrepreneurship with a focus on women.”
Alabi highlighted MTN’s concrete actions in empowering women, citing the UN Women Award for their commitment to empowering women across the country.”
She mentioned initiatives like the Y’ellopreneur Program, Women in Tech, which equips women with cutting-edge skills in AI, cybersecurity, and data science, and the Y’ello Mums Internship Programme, which supports young mothers returning to the workforce.”
Further demonstrating their commitment, Alabi proudly announced, 41.4% of our leadership team is female over twice the industry standard. This is not by chance, but the result of intentional policies, inclusive practices, and a culture that values the unique strengths women bring to the table.”
Olajumoke Ajayi, Managing Director, Ingentia Energies Limited, echoed the excitement, recalling the remarkable growth of the SheCan movement since its 2018 inception. “I remember when we started, our audience was around 2,500. Last year, we quickly had to secure a second venue for over 5,000 attendees,” she recounted.
Ajayi revealed the astounding registration count: “just two days ago, we hit 5,700 registrations, and our full advertising campaign hasn’t even begun”. She expressed her vision for a permanent venue, saying, “By God’s grace, I envision us having our own permanent venue soon.”
Ajayi shared a compelling anecdote of a woman battling depression who found healing through an online SHAPE program session, illustrating the profound impact of SheCan. “Many lives have been transformed, and I believe this year will be no different,” she affirmed. She also noted the increasing attendance of men, drawn by the value SheCan offers, and highlighted the organization’s reach beyond Lagos, funding students and empowering women across Nigeria.
Mrs. Ayodele Olajide, Retail Head, Wema Bank, expressed her institution’s long-standing commitment to women. “This year, Wema Bank is celebrating its 80th anniversary! Our journey as the oldest indigenous bank in Nigeria has always been about making an impact,” Olajide stated. She highlighted the bank’s focus on women, recognizing their immense power.
Olajide elaborated on “Sarah by Wema Bank,” an initiative dedicated to empowering women through various programs, including funding businesses. “Specifically for this SheCan conference, we will be awarding grants of up to two million naira to women,” she announced, encouraging women to submit their business pitches.
She also detailed market access programs, which have seen about 14 market access programs exclusively for women, both locally and internationally, bundled with technology toolkits like the “SME Toolkit and A Lab for Business,” offering instant transaction solutions. “I dare say, Wema Bank is pioneering this instant resolution narrative in the traditional banking market,” Olajide remarked.
With over 5,700 registrations already confirmed, SheCan Nigeria is actively discussing additional space to accommodate the overwhelming demand. The conference promises to be a pivotal event, bringing together industry leaders, offering dynamic discussions on holistic well-being, business and career insights, and family wholeness. It will also feature health partners providing valuable consultations.