By Rukayat Moisemhe
Women leaders have stressed mentorship, inclusive leadership and strong corporate governance as vital tools for building resilient organisations and expanding opportunities for future female leaders.
They made the call on Wednesday at a Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria women’s group event with the themed, ‘Give to Gain: Leadership, Mentoring and Impact.’
The event formed part of activities commemorating the annual International Women’s Day celebration (IWD).
President of Woodhall Capital, Mrs Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, said impactful leadership should be measured by opportunities leaders create through mentorship and institution building.
Hunponu-Wusu commended CIoD Nigeria for promoting ethical leadership and strong corporate governance, noting that the meaning of success evolves as professionals grow into positions of influence.
“Leadership eventually shifts from personal advancement to enabling others to thrive,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, she said Woodhall Capital had mobilised global capital into African opportunities for 11 years, facilitating over six billion dollars across infrastructure, energy, trade finance and manufacturing.
She said recognising human capital as society’s greatest asset led to the creation of the Woodhall Capital Foundation in 2017.
According to her, the foundation focuses on education, wellbeing, leadership development and global exposure for young people.
“Through our flagship initiative, Global Generations Rising in Purpose (GRIP), we have engaged more than 1,500 young people aged 16 to 40 through mentorship programmes,” she said.
Hunponu-Wusu also cited the McKinsey Women in the Workplace 2024 report showing women now occupy about 28 per cent of global C-suite roles.
She noted the figure had risen from 17 per cent a decade ago but said more progress was needed to achieve full representation in executive leadership and boardrooms.
She said this reality inspired the launch of Her Executive Edge, designed to prepare women in senior management for C-suite leadership roles.
President of CIoD Nigeria, Mr Adetunji Oyebanji, said leaders’ most enduring influence lies in the impact they make on others through mentorship and institution building.
“Leadership is not merely occupying authority but building people, strengthening institutions and leaving systems better than they were found,” Oyebanji said.
He noted that women across boardrooms, public institutions and enterprises continue to demonstrate exceptional leadership through diverse perspectives and ethical stewardship.
Oyebanji added that such leadership also promotes long-term thinking in governance.
He said events like the luncheon create opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and mentorship between experienced leaders and emerging professionals.
“When leaders share knowledge, sponsor emerging talent and invest in others, institutions strengthen, industries transform and communities benefit,” he said.
Oyebanji reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to inclusive leadership, strong governance and sustainable value creation across sectors.
Chairman of the CIoD Nigeria Women’s Group, Mrs Ronke Sokefun, urged women to support and mentor one another to strengthen leadership networks.
Sokefun said effective leadership is built on mentorship and impact, noting that sharing knowledge and opportunities nurtures future leaders.
She observed that while many women benefited from mentors, others navigated their careers without guidance while breaking barriers and challenging expectations.
According to her, such women deserve recognition for paving the way despite lacking role models or established pathways.
Sokefun also commended women who intentionally create opportunities through mentorship, recommendations and knowledge sharing.
“When women support one another, the entire leadership ecosystem benefits,” she said.
Founder of Bestman Games, Amb. Nimi Akinkugbe, urged women to prioritise self-development.
She said many women often place themselves last while meeting family and societal expectations.
“Investing in personal growth is essential for women to contribute meaningfully to society and support others,” Akinkugbe said. (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
