The Wife of Nigeria’s former Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo, has called on women to adopt authenticity and self-awareness as essential tools for impactful leadership.
Speaking at the Executive Woman Summit (TEWS) 2025, held in Lagos, Osinbajo addressed a gathering of women executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders from across Nigeria’s business and professional sectors.
She commended the resilience, determination, and courage of women breaking barriers in various industries, urging them to take pride in their achievements despite the challenges they face.
“Leadership begins with knowing yourself and embracing your individuality,” Osinbajo said. “Women must lead with authenticity, confidence, and a sense of purpose that reflects their true values.”
The summit, themed “Leading from Within: An Authentic Approach to Leadership,” provided a platform for women to reflect on personal growth and leadership integrity.
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Also speaking at the event, Ibukun Awosika, founder of The Chair Centre Group and former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, encouraged women to uphold their values and develop strategies to command influence—particularly in male-dominated fields such as business, finance, and corporate governance.
“As women, we must never compromise our values,” Awosika said. “Authentic leadership means standing firm in who we are while finding practical ways to make our voices heard and our impact felt.”
Convener of the summit, Bola Matel-Okoh, founder of BMO Advisory Services and Women’s Lifestyle Hub, noted that many women often struggle to conform to societal expectations, leading to what she described as a “state of misalignment.”
She encouraged women to embrace self-definition and lead from a place of clarity and purpose.
The Executive Woman Summit 2025 brought together top female leaders, policymakers, and professionals to discuss strategies for promoting authenticity, confidence, and inclusion in leadership spaces across Nigeria and beyond.
