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Nigerian women have been urged to move beyond advocacy and use their voices to create value, influence decisions, and drive meaningful change in society.
The call was made at the 10th Voice of Women Conference and Awards, VOW2026, held in Lagos to mark a decade of advocacy by the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation and Women Radio WFM 91.7.
Businesswoman and philanthropist Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, in her keynote address, said the past 10 years showed what was possible when women were given platforms to speak, and urged that the next decade should focus on turning voices into transformation.
She said women must ensure their voices count, competence delivers results, visibility has purpose, and influence drives action.
Stella Okoli, Founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, challenged women to convert ideas into value through entrepreneurship, innovation, and enterprise.
She encouraged women to start from where they are and build steadily, stressing that women can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic development by creating businesses and solutions.
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended Women Radio and VOWEF for sustaining a platform that has kept issues affecting women in public discourse.
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She noted progress in education, enterprise and public service but said gaps remain in economic opportunities, healthcare, leadership and governance.
She urged women to “lift as they rise” by mentoring others and translating conference conversations into action through stronger networks and partnerships.
Former First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, criticised societal expectations that place extra domestic responsibilities on working women, describing the “one-hour woman” culture where women rush home during lunch breaks to cook.
She said women should be able to use breaks to rest, network, and pursue personal development without their worth being tied to domestic roles.
She added that boys should also be raised to become responsible partners who understand mutual respect and shared responsibilities.
The conference featured discussions on women’s leadership, political participation, enterprise and representation. It received support from First Bank, Asha Microfinance Bank, LIRS, Ekiti State Government, United Nigeria Airline, Air Peace and Amandla.
Awards were presented to individuals recognised for advancing women’s voices and empowerment, including Mrs. Stella Okoli; Mr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of Bank of Industry; Mr. Kafilat Ogbara, Member of the House of Representatives; Mr. Ayodele Zubair, Chairman of LIRS; and Mr. Olumide Omosebi.
