Gender
IWD 2026: SIFAX Group Empowers 500 Schoolgirls, Trains Female Staff, Supports Lagos Families
Over 500 girls at United Christian Secondary School in Apapa received mentorship from female executives of SIFAX Group during the company’s International Women’s Day outreach.
The sessions focused on leadership, education, personal development and menstrual health awareness.
Students were also given textbooks, sanitary pads and personal care items during the event.
Speakers shared personal career journeys and encouraged the girls to remain committed to their studies.
Jesuyemisi Odeyemi, Company Secretary and Legal Head of SIFAX Group, urged the students to believe in their abilities.
“You are strong. You can do it, and you will. You will not only do it, but you will also do it well, you will do it better,” she said.
Vanessa Uansohia, Head of Corporate Communications at Skyway Aviation Handling Company, the aviation subsidiary of SIFAX Group, encouraged the girls to challenge self-doubt.
“The only person that is stopping you is yourself,” she said.
Female Staff Receive Leadership Training
As part of the celebration, the company organised a virtual training session for female employees focused on communication and leadership development.
Public speaking strategist Joyce Daniels delivered a session titled “Speaking: A Tool for Growth, Multiplication, and Career Progression.”
She said effective communication is essential for career advancement.
“If you will grow, multiply and have progression in your career, you will speak from a place of conviction,” Daniels said.
She added that strong leaders distinguish themselves by confidently expressing their ideas and vision.
Food Support for Ijora Community
Beyond its workforce initiatives, the company also carried out a community outreach in Ijora, Lagos.
Five hundred food packs containing rice, beans, vegetable oil, garri and salt were distributed to vulnerable households.
The distribution was done in partnership with local community leaders to ensure transparency and fairness.
Why It Matters
International Women’s Day is celebrated globally to highlight the achievements of women and advocate for gender equality.
In Nigeria, access to mentorship, education and leadership opportunities remains a key challenge for many girls and women.
Corporate initiatives that support education and economic empowerment are increasingly seen as important tools for closing these gaps.
Corporate Perspective
Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, Group Coordinating Director of SIFAX Group, said the initiative aligns with the company’s values of inclusion and social responsibility.
“This year’s theme, Give to Gain, resonates deeply with our mission of inclusivity and empowerment. Every woman is a leader in her own right, and giving back creates growth opportunities for individuals, organisations and communities,” she said.
She added that the food outreach reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting communities where it operates.
What Happens Next
SIFAX Group said it plans to continue programmes focused on education, leadership development and community support.
The company also hopes to encourage more female employees to lead social impact projects within their communities.
Gender
Veteran Consumer Rights Advocate Sola Salako-Ajulo Named NAWOJ Lagos “Iconic Woman of the Month”
Sola Salako-Ajulo, widely known as “Consumer Mama,” has been named the Iconic Woman of the Month for March 2026 by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter.
The recognition honours her more than two decades of advocacy for consumer rights in Nigeria, highlighting her role in shaping policies, raising awareness, and empowering citizens to understand and enforce their rights.
Championing Consumer Rights for Over 20 Years
Mrs. Salako-Ajulo began her journey in 2003 with the influential column Handwriting on the Wall, which quickly became a trusted voice for Nigerian consumers. Over the years, her work has evolved from journalism into large-scale activism.
She founded the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), where she spearheaded landmark campaigns including the #NoBankingDay Protest in 2016, which challenged excessive bank charges and reshaped consumer protections in the Nigerian financial sector.
She is also the author of Protect Yourself: Your Naija Guide To Consumer Right And Protection, a handbook designed to make complex regulations accessible to everyday Nigerians.
Recently, she launched the CAFON Consumers Companion (3C), an AI-powered platform providing Nigerians with 24/7 digital guidance on their consumer rights.
“Sola Salako-Ajulo is a force for justice in the marketplace,” said Jumoke Johnson, Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos.
“Where consumers face exploitation, she provides the education and tools for redress. Her life’s work proves the power of a single, determined voice to create national change.”
Recognition and Industry Praise
Her peers have consistently acknowledged her contributions:
Marketing Journalist of the Year, Nigeria Marketing Awards (2023–2025)
Brand Journalist of the Year, ADVAN African Awards (2025)
The NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson emphasised that Mrs. Salako-Ajulo’s work exemplifies the transformative impact of women in media and civil society.
Why It Matters
Consumer rights in Nigeria remain a critical area for economic fairness. Advocacy initiatives like those led by Mrs. Salako-Ajulo help protect citizens from exploitation while promoting transparency in business and finance. Her work also demonstrates how journalism can evolve into activism with measurable societal impact.
What’s Next
NAWOJ Lagos plans to continue celebrating women leaders who drive social change. Mrs. Salako-Ajulo’s recognition is part of a broader effort to inspire future generations of female advocates across Nigeria.
Pernod Ricard Nigeria has highlighted its ongoing commitment to gender equity and inclusion by hosting its Women’s Network forum, titled “Women Who Raise the Bar.” The event celebrated women as leaders, innovators, and cultural influencers across business, creativity, and community.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director Michael Ehindero said the initiative was inspired by this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain.” He emphasized that empowering women to lead and create strengthens both organisations and communities.
“When women are empowered to lead, create, and influence, organisations and communities are stronger for it,” Ehindero said.
Spotlight on Women Shaping Culture
The forum featured a panel of leaders across multiple industries, including Susan Anisa Younis, Ibukun Abidoye, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, and Tola Akerele. They shared insights on how women influence culture, from building value-driven businesses to owning narratives and shaping African stories for global audiences.
Dr. Joshua Ademuwagun, Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s Human Resources Director and keynote speaker, highlighted the importance of creating environments where women can thrive. He applauded women across the organisation for their resilience and achievements.
“It is critical to provide platforms where women can excel and lead. Their contributions fuel innovation, growth, and cultural impact,” Ademuwagun said.
Personal Reflections from Women Leaders
Nnenna Duru, Corporate Affairs Manager, described the programme as transformative.
“‘Women Who Raise the Bar’ challenged me to think intentionally about supporting other women and celebrating our achievements. It was a powerful reminder that our impact matters,” she said.
The forum reinforced Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s positioning as a people-first organisation committed to inclusive leadership and meaningful conversations at the intersection of culture and business.
Why It Matters
Promoting women in leadership is increasingly seen as key to economic growth and social development. Studies suggest organisations with gender-diverse leadership are more innovative, resilient, and effective. Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s initiative aligns with global trends prioritising equity and mentorship as drivers of sustainable growth.
What’s Next
Pernod Ricard Nigeria plans to continue the Women’s Network as a platform for mentorship, dialogue, and leadership development. The company’s efforts reflect its broader strategy of fostering inclusion and empowering employees across all levels.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has hosted a surprise appreciation event for female officers to mark International Women’s Day 2026.
The event, held on 27 March at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, celebrated women’s contributions to the Service, with officers and members of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association receiving roses in recognition of their service.
Why it matters
The gesture highlights growing calls for gender inclusion and recognition in Nigeria’s paramilitary institutions.
Women in uniformed services often face structural and cultural barriers, making public recognition a significant step towards institutional change.
“Recognition should not wait” — Adeniyi
Speaking at the event, Adeniyi said the initiative was intentionally designed to move beyond routine ceremonies and spotlight women whose work often goes unnoticed.
“I know you did not come here expecting this. That is exactly the point. Too often, recognition comes only when it is convenient or when it fits neatly into a calendar. Today, we chose to do something different.”
He acknowledged the traditions of a paramilitary structure but stressed the importance of celebrating women’s roles within it.
“This is a paramilitary organisation, and we are guided by tradition and protocol. But today, we are united by a common purpose, which is to celebrate the women of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
Women ‘central to operations’
Adeniyi described female officers as critical to the agency’s effectiveness across the country.
“You are central to what we do. I want to appreciate all of you serving in different capacities across the country for your resilience and commitment to duty.”
He added that the initiative aims to reinforce a culture that values dedication and performance regardless of gender.
Support from families and communities
In her remarks, Kikelomo Adeniyi, President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association, said the event recognised both direct and indirect contributions of women to the Service.
“This is indeed a special occasion for us to recognise the resilience, dedication and hard work of women who continue to support the Service both directly and indirectly.”
She praised the Customs leadership for promoting inclusion and opportunities for women.
“Our women are not just supporting actors; they are active contributors to the progress we are recording as a Service.”
Industry and public perspective
Gender advocates say such initiatives are essential in reshaping workplace culture in Nigeria’s security and paramilitary sectors.
Experts note that sustained policies — beyond symbolic events — are key to improving representation, career advancement, and welfare for women in uniform.
What’s next
The Nigeria Customs Service says it will continue to prioritise inclusivity as part of its broader reform agenda, including welfare and empowerment programmes for officers and their families.
Observers say the impact of such initiatives will depend on how they translate into long-term institutional policies.
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