Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has marked a historic milestone with the announcement of its official UK registration, expanding its footprint from Nigeria into the heart of Europe. The move positions WIMBIZ as a truly global force championing women’s leadership and cross-border collaboration.
WIMBIZ now connects thousands of associates across multiple countries, with the United Kingdom representing its second-largest global community after Nigeria. The registration enables WIMBIZ to scale its high-impact programmes, foster bilateral trade and strategic partnerships, and continue empowering women leaders across both regions.
This historic announcement made by Bisi Adeyemi, Chairman, WIMBIZ Board of Trustees, set the tone for the 3rd Edition of the WIMBIZ London Conference, held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Hilton London Kensington, United Kingdom.
During her welcome address, Adeyemi said: “When women come together, extraordinary things happen.”, reaffirming WIMBIZ’s mission to foster collaboration.
Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of WIMBIZ, and Caroline Popoola, Chair of the 2025 London Conference Planning Group, delivered a powerful opening remark, urging delegates to embrace unity and shared strength under the conference theme, “The Power of Us.”
According to Akingbohungbe, WIMBIZ is focused on supporting women’s journey to leadership positions; anywhere in the world, leadership shouldn’t feel lonely; hence the drive for gender parity in leadership positions for balanced perspectives.
A goodwill message from Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria, underscored the strategic significance of WIMBIZ’s UK presence in fostering bilateral trade and advancing women-led innovation.
A key highlight was the unveiling of the WIMBIZ UK-Nigeria Trade Journal, a landmark step in supporting female entrepreneurs across borders.
Thought leaders, including Tola Onigbanjo, Dr. Lisa Adjei, Eryca Freemantle, and Sandra Pollock OBE, shared insights on collective leadership, shared impact and tackled the topic: “Collaboration Over Competition” during the first plenary session.
During the fireside chat session, Finance leaders Ann Cairns and Aishah N. Ahmad explored topics and questions around leadership, purpose, and legacy. Cairns urged women to stay focused on growth and resilience, saying, “Go for what you want. Don’t let anyone put you off, and enjoy what you do.”
During the second plenary session, Marcia Dixon MBE, Oluwayemisi Jenkins MBE, Simi Nwogugu, and Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani spoke passionately about making an impact in the community, answering thought-provoking questions about integrity, wealth building, and visibility on the topic.
Belinda Otas and Morenike Ajayi moved the room during the “Dare to Share Your Story” segment, sharing raw, personal accounts of courage and growth. A lively debate followed, with Eunice Afolabi, Yanmo Adetula, Feizin Amlani, Dr. Gospel Obele, and Mayowa Oluyede exchanging perspectives on: “Traditional Change vs. Progressive Change.”Another highlight of the event was an electrifying performance from Violinist Anna Petrie and a vibrant “Disco Fever” after-party that celebrated the spirit of unity and achievement.
About WIMBIZ:
WIMBIZ (Women in Management, Business, and Public Service) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting women in leadership roles.
WIMBIZ is of African roots with a global perspective of connecting and inspiring women across the globe to catalyze their growth to leadership positions and contribution to nation-building.
With a history spanning 24 years, WIMBIZ has implemented various programs that inspire, empower, and advocate for greater representation of women in both the public and private sectors.
We have a global network of over 3,357 accomplished women who contribute to their initiatives in management, business, and public service.
WIMBIZ collaborates with reputable domestic and international organizations to deliver impactful programs, positively influencing over 344,335 women to excel in their careers and businesses.www.wimbiz.org.