Nigeria’s third Women in Logistics And Transport (WiLAT) Conference and Award dinner was held on Thursday- 25th June 2015 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki-Lagos. The theme was Women and entrepreneurship in a competitive environment; beyond professionalism. Princess (Dr) Vicky Haastrup, Executive Vice Chairman of ENL consortium chaired the conference and the keynote speaker was first lady of Ogun State- Mrs Olufunso Amosun.
In her opening remarks, Princess (Dr) Vicky Haastrup urged women to rise up, work harder, update themselves in ICT and fill up the existing gap, especially in the logistics and transport sectors of the economy.
Founder and President of WiLAT- Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim thanked women generally, especially the notable corporate amazons, for their unwavering support for WiLAT over the past several years. Their strong support has assisted her continuing drive to expand the frontiers of WiLAT into many more countries across the globe.
The keynote address was given by the first lady of Ogun State- Mrs Olufunso Amosun, ably represented by the wife of the secretary to Ogun State Government – Barr Mrs Folashade Adeoluwa. In the address, Mrs Amosun stressed the need for women to acquire skills relevant to their intended profession or business, such that they can leverage on it, for competitive purposes. She advised women to always seek out forums like the one presented by WiLAT to network. Women must also behave like men, who set goals, focus on the goals and go get it. She prayed that more and more women will continue to make forays into male dominated sectors like logistics and transport and excel there.
Mrs Sharon Ikeazor spoke extensively on pit falls to avoid in business, and Nonye Goddy-Obi of Keystone Bank, presented a paper on financial opportunities for women. Other papers were on wellness by Dr Chinwe Ijeoma Abama; Women and law in logistics and transport by Barr Margaret Orakwusi and Women in a competitive Environment: role of men, presented by Dr James A. Olorunmaiye
Goodwill messages were presented by Mrs Lizzy Ogodinma Ovbude of PTOL- Port Harcourt and Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson- the Iyalode of Yoruba Land.
A dinner and Award night rounded off the conference with several deserving members and supporters of WiLAT being honoured.
Delegates assured Aisha Ali Ibrahim of their support and cooperation as she strives to expand the scope and barriers of WiLAT and deploy it as a platform to empower women and help them achieve more.
