Ikeja Electric has called for increased participation of women in the power sector and challenged them to compete for equality and break down the systemic barriers that hinder their progress.
The Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo) made this call during its celebration of International Women’s Day, encouraging women to own their space with boldness and confidence, and push for positive change.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Folake Soetan, the CEO of Ikeja Electric, emphasized the importance of swift and decisive efforts to overcome systemic biases that affect women in both their professional and personal lives.
“In our world today, it is essential to make swift and decisive efforts to break systemic barriers and biases that women face in their careers and personal spaces,” she said.
The event, marked with a hybrid session, brought together a lineup of influential speakers including Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Mrs. Betty Irabor, Maye Ayida, Jummai Logun, Toyin Kekere-Ekun, and Olufunke Jones. Many of the speakers attended in person to share their personal experiences and offer valuable insights to inspire the next generation of women in the energy sector.
Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, founder of the Chair Centre Group and TheLifeSeriesNg, spoke passionately about women in leadership. She stressed the importance of empowering other women and opening doors for them.
“Never shut a door, but determine which ones are critical and those that should remain shut,” she said. Awosika also emphasized the need for women to be intentional in their journeys, underscoring how vital it is to know oneself and to be strategic about who is part of that journey.
Betty Irabor, the publisher and founder of Genevieve Magazine, shared her personal journey and emphasized the importance of employee well-being for any sustainable organization.
She highlighted the need for mental health support in the workplace, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by Ikeja Electric staff, including the brutalization of employees by Air Force officials. “Purpose is often birthed out of pain,” she noted, adding that leadership should focus on uplifting others and promoting compassion.
Maje Ayida, CEO of Eden Lifestyle, further encouraged women to train their minds in the same way they care for their bodies. He urged women to embrace leadership, innovation, and networking, saying, “Be a L.I.O.N: Leader. Innovative. Outspoken. Network.”
Jummai Logun, founder of Skin Esthetique, offered advice on how to age gracefully while balancing work and life in Nigeria. She shared practical tips on self-care, stress management, and prioritizing positive thoughts, physical health, and a balanced lifestyle to improve aging and well-being.
Toyin Kekere-Ekun, CEO of Lotus Financial Services, emphasized financial literacy and the importance of managing money wisely.
She suggested allocating 10% of earnings towards education, 10% for enjoyment, and 5% for charity. She encouraged women to practice delayed gratification and save for the future.
In her concluding remarks, Olufunke Jones emphasized the importance of courage, competence, compassion, and collaboration for women to succeed. She urged women to focus on their own development rather than comparing themselves to men, and to commit to consistently investing in their personal and professional growth.
Mrs. Sequinah Akinwunmi, the CFO of Ikeja Electric, expressed gratitude for the inspiring session, which she described as “packing several lifetimes into a book.”
She concluded by looking forward to the future, expressing excitement about applying the lessons learned to accelerate action in both personal and professional spaces.
Ikeja Electric, recognized as Nigeria’s most gender-diverse utility company, remains committed to a sustainable future, one that prioritizes efficient service delivery and a unique customer experience driven by technology and data, ultimately bringing energy to life responsibly.
